Introduction

Three times a year, the first Wednesday of the month heralds a changeover of junior doctors within our hospital. This year, the first Wednesday in December provided a different kind of challenge. The voice on the phone confirmed the words that no one wanted to hear: “You have three confirmed cases of Norovirus and you have to close to new admissions”.

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References

1. Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting. Update September 2010. Health Protection Agency.
2. Lopman BA, Reacher MH, Vipond IB, Hill D, Perry C, Halladay T, et al. Epidemiology and cost of nosocomial gastroenteritis, Avon, England, 2002-2003. Emerg Infect Dis. 2004 Oct; 10(10): 1827–34.
3. Guidelines for the management of Norovirus outbreaks in acute and community health and social care settings. Authors: HPA, British Infection Association; Healthcare Infection Society; Infection Prevention Society; National Concern for Healthcare Infections; NHS Confederation. Website: www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebfile/HPAweb_c/ 1317131639453.
4. Medical Leadership Competency Framework – Enhancing Engagement in Medical Leadership. July 2010. Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and NHS institute for Innovation and Improvement.