Norovirus gastroenteritis: pandemic or pandemonium
16 December 2008: Dr. Jean Challiner, UK Medical Director, Clinical Solutions. “The outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis in the last few days is already causing widespread disruption in hospital wards around the country – with many forced to close their doors to new patients to minimise the risk of spreading the disease. With more than 5 million people struck down with the condition last year, the pressure on healthcare services continues to rise.
But these situations are manageable if effective measures are taken to prepare for outbreaks in advance. Offering the public access to healthcare professionals who can carry out an appropriate assessment and offer up to date advice and information, will reduce public anxiety, and help contain outbreaks and minimise risk. Having the right tools to support healthcare professionals involved as well as the ability to collect and analyse information gathered is an essential part of forward planning.
Existing services such as NHS Direct and NHS 24 are setup to provide assessment and advice on what course of action to take without the need for the patient to leave home exposing others to the virus. Walk-in Centres and patients own GP practices will also be able to provide similar assessment and advice. If hospital is the next best step, these clinicians will know and advise accordingly.”
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