THE recent gastroenteritis outbreaks in nursing homes in NSW has alerted local Glen Innes establishments, but not alarmed them according to Roseneath Director of Care Paul MacDonald.

Last year an outbreak at Glenwood, a local nursing home caused some concern.

“It is something that can happen in even the best run homes,” Mr MacDonald said.

New national guidelines for nursing homes regarding gastro outbreaks have just been announced by the Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot which focuses attention on how to prevent outbreaks in aged care facilities.

Mr MacDonald said that the new guidelines shouldn’t make much difference to the way the Roseneath facility is run as there are already strict guidelines and plans in place.

“We are already adhering to strict guidelines on what to do and how to do it with regard to gastro outbreaks,” he said.

“The news of an outbreak is always cause for concern and it does make everyone very nervous. But we can only control what is in our environment here. Often the infections come in with visitors,” he said.

Mr MacDonald said there really needs to be more public education campaign so visitors are also more well informed about how the highly infectious virus is transferred.

Gastro outbreaks are most common between late winter to early summer, but can occur at any time of the year.

The virus is spread through person-to-person contact and through touching objects that have been contaminated.

Outbreaks are extremely difficult to control due to the highly infectious nature of the viruses.

“The best ways to prevent viral gastro is to adhere to excellent hygienic practices, which Roseneath does,” Mr MacDonald said.

The new guidelines will come into effect on October 5.