The emergency department remains open for those needing urgent medical care
Broomfield Hospital(Image: photographic)
Wards in Broomfield Hospital have been closed to the public temporarily after an outbreak of norovirus. Patients not receiving end-of-life care, who have felt unwell, are advised not to attend the hospital.
Restrictions are in place in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, after concerns regarding a norovirus outbreak were raised. Ward managers have made decisions to restrict patient visiting, as is standard practice, if norovirus is suspected.
Norovirus is a stomach bug which spreads quickly from someone who has it. Those who contract the virus can experience sickness and diarrhoea as well as a high temperature, headache, and body aches.
While some wards are affected by the closures, surgical wards and the burns unit remain open. Those who are experiencing a medical emergency can also attend the Emergency Department, which is open as usual to those needing urgent care.
Denise Townsend, Deputy Chief Nurse and Director of Nursing for Broomfield Hospital, from Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Patient visiting to some Broomfield Hospital wards has been temporarily restricted. These measures will help keep our patients, visitors and staff safe, and help us control the spread of norovirus.
“This is peak season for the winter vomiting bug, so we are urging relatives and friends to not visit the hospital if they have had an upset stomach, cough or cold in the last 48 hours to help ease the spread of the virus. Thank you for helping us to keep our patients and staff safe.”