We have seen an increase in the number of cases of norovirus in our communities and we must do all we can to help prevent the spread.
It is very important that we follow hygiene guidelines such as cleaning our hands as this will help keep those who are most vulnerable and my colleagues safe.
Please do not visit our hospitals or Minor Injury Unit (MIUs) if you have symptoms of norovirus (also called the vomiting bug). This will ensure we are doing all that we can to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe.
Norovirus symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms and we would remind you not to visit our hospitals for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop to prevent spreading it to others.
If you have the symptoms of norovirus, you are advised to stay at home and get plenty of rest; drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick; carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual; give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds; eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy and take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child.
If you are feeling unwell, but have a hospital appointment, please contact the relevant department for advice on whether to attend or postpone.
Please clean your hands using soap and water regularly, before and after contact with a patient, if you are visiting our hospitals.
The Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre is appealing for men who are aged between 18 and 45 years-old and who want to help others, to become sperm donors.
For many people, using donated sperm is the only chance they have of fulfilling their dream to have a family.
Around half of all cases where couples are unable to get pregnant naturally are sperm related. This is usually because the man isn’t producing enough sperm or there are no sperm at all.
The Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre, which is based at the Severn Fields Health Village in Shrewsbury, has one of the highest success rates in fertility treatment in the West Midlands and Wales.
For more information, please email sath.ivfscientist@nhs.net or visit their website: www.shropshireivf.nhs.uk.
Finally, we would like to thank our patients and visitors for their understanding during the recent Resident Doctors’ strike action, which ended on Monday (13 April). All our colleagues worked hard to reduce any disruption to our services.