PRESS RELEASE FROM THOMPSONS SOLICITORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More than 100 people connected with the exclusive Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire have been struck down with vomiting and diarrhoea after a suspected outbreak of the norovirus at the world-famous venue.
NHS Tayside and the local council are working with the hotel to control the situation and determine the source of the outbreak. In the meantime the hotel remains open for business.
Norovirus is a fast-spreading illness that affects a considerable number of holidaymakers each year. The virus is usually transmitted by drinking contaminated food or water, and outbreaks typically originate from unclean kitchens and unsanitary food preparation areas.
Sufferers of the virus experience vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches and a fever. Symptoms last for around three days, however in some more serious cases dehydration, malnutrition and even death can occur.
Thompsons Solicitors has set up an emergency hotline for those affected by the norovirus. Patrick McGuire, partner at the firm, comments:
“Outbreaks of gastric illnesses such as this can not only ruin holidays, they can also have serious health consequences for the very young, old and infirm.
“The fact that the sufferers are hotel guests and employees suggests that the hotel is the source of the outbreak.
“Holidaymakers spend an awful lot of money to stay at such a prestigious hotel, and the hotel staff rely on their employer to have a rigorous health and safety regime in place.
“The law is very clear: we have consumer safety legislation and regulations requiring that all food should be safe to eat and should comply with UK standards. Consumers who suffer injury or illness as a result of poor food hygiene are entitled to compensation.
“We are concerned that outbreaks of this sort still occur despite strict laws being in place, and we have set up an emergency hotline for anyone seeking information on how to recover any costs, such as medical expenses or lost earnings as well as compensation.”
Thompsons hotline: 0800 0891331
Notes to editors:
To arrange further comments/quotes from Patrick McGuire, contact Tim Weir : e-mail @ThompsonsTim
