LAUNCESTON General Hospital staff have// warned visitors with symptoms of gastroenteritis to stay away, after an outbreak saw one ward closed to visitors and new admissions.
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Ward 6D is currently in quarantine to contain the spread of the virus, which has affected up to nine patients and six staff over the past couple of days.
Acting director of clinical services Beth Mulligan it was important to contain the spread of the virus which put already vulnerable patients at risk, and anyone who had been in contact with the virus should not visit the hospital until at least eight hours after symptoms stop.
Typically, gastroenteritis is characterised by nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.
Dr Mulligan said the illness usually passed without treatment, but the very young and the elderly were at greater risk.
She said anyone with severe symptoms should seek medical attention.
Dr Mulligan urged anyone visiting the LGH emergency department with symptoms to phone the hospital in advance so staff could take necessary precautions.
The emergency department can be reached via the LGH switchboard on 6348 7111.
