Media Release

05 November 2008

There have been no new cases of gastroenteritis in Ward 4 (orthopaedics) at Taranaki Base Hospital since yesterday morning.

The ward will remain closed until at least Saturday morning, which means no visitors will be allowed into the ward, no patients will be admitted to it and no patients will be transferred from the ward to rest homes or other hospitals, said Taranaki DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Penny Hutchinson.

Six patients in Ward 4 (orthopaedic ward) had fallen ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea  on Monday 3rd Nov and Tuesday 4th Nov. Of the six affected patients, two have been discharged home, and the remaining four have been placed in isolation.

Samples have been sent away to the laboratory and the results should be known within a week to determine the nature of the outbreak.

Hospital Operations Manager Steve Berendsen said that no surgeries had needed to be cancelled at this stage. “Staff across the whole hospital are working very hard to contain the illness,” said Mr Berendsen. “This is a difficult time but staff, patients and visitors cooperation was very much appreciated.”

Visitors with any questions can ring the hospital ( 06 753 6139) to talk to a Health Protection Officer for any information.

For more information please call

Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph.021 367 789