Vol. 557 No. 6
43 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days lost to date in 2002 as a result of the winter vomiting virus; the steps being taken to control the virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22911/02]
My Department collects information on bed clos ures in acute hospitals from the health agencies on a quarterly basis. The most recent complete figures available to my Department relate to the first six months of 2002. This data shows that an estimated 2,796 bed days were lost due to isolation measures and infection control measures as a result of the winter vomiting virus. This figure represents approximately 0.1% of the overall bed days available for the first six months of the year.
The small round structured virus, SRSV, more commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, is a form of viral gastroenteritis. It is highly infectious and can spread from person to person. Hence it is difficult to contain and it is spread extremely quickly, especially in institutions. Where outbreaks have occurred, hospitals have put full infection control measures in place in line with best practice guidelines. In an effort to prevent further outbreaks, health boards are appealing to members of the public who have any symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea not to visit hospitals or nursing homes, and particularly accident and emergency departments for 72 hours after their symptoms have stopped. There have also been outbreaks of the virus in other health facilities, such as nursing homes and crèche facilities.
My Department has taken a number of steps to assist in controlling the virus. The National Disease Surveillance Centre has issued guidelines for institutions relating to hygiene and infection control. An expert group, the national viral gastroenteritis committee, has been established to deal with the practical aspects relevant to the management of outbreaks of this infection and to develop guidelines relating to the rapid diagnosis and management of outbreaks for the end of the year. The winter vomiting virus is now recognised as a major problem across European countries. At Ireland's request, the EU is to establish an expert group which will deal with these issues on an EU wide basis.
