SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - The Prince County Hospital in Summerside has temporarily restricted visits to its medical unit after a number of patients and staff are experiencing symptoms of gastro-intestinal illness.
Effective immediately and until further notice, no visitors are being permitted on the medical unit as a precaution due to thirteen cases of gastro-intestinal illness. Visitation may be allowed in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the health care team.
“Patients experiencing gastro-intestinal symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea are being placed on precautions and staff have heightened infection control practices,” said Tara Ferguson, provincial infection prevention and control supervisor. “To ensure patient and public safety, visiting restrictions are being put in place effective immediately.”
It is extremely important that everyone coming to the hospital, including visitors and persons coming in for tests, X-rays or ambulatory procedures clean their hands before and after entering a patient’s room, a department, and upon entering and leaving the facility. Alcohol hand rinse stations are available throughout the hospital for this purpose.
The situation will be reassessed Thursday morning as more information becomes available and a further update will be provided at that time.
