Media Release

18 November 2008

Ward 1 Re-opens

The lockdown on Ward 1 at Taranaki Base Hospital has been lifted.

Hospital Operations Manager Steve Berendsen said no staff or patients in the ward had displayed symptoms typical of norovirus since Saturday.

The ward was re-opened to new admissions and visitors this afternoon (Tuesday). Additional infection control restrictions have been lifted and usual hospital level infection control practices resumed.  

“Staff have been working very hard to contain the illness,“ said Mr Berendsen. “We would like to thank our staff, patients and their families for their cooperation and understanding during this time.”

The Assessment, Treatment & Rehabilitation Ward was closed on 10 November after an outbreak of gastroenteritis. A total eight patients and possibly three staff members were affected by the illness.

The outbreak of gastroenteritis in Ward 1 was confirmed as norovirus.

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