Latest NHS England figures show that Bolton NHS Foundation Trust had an average of 44 patients per day in hospital with norovirus in the week ending January 18, making it the fifth highest trust in England for cases.
This is a dramatic increase from the previous week, when an average of just six patients per day were being treated for the virus.
Across the wider North West, an average of 164 patients a day were in hospital with the ‘winter vomiting bug’ in the week up to January 25.
That figure is more than two-thirds higher than the same week last year and represents a 30 per cent rise in just one week.
Health leaders say the increase highlights the importance of residents following advice to prevent the virus spreading in the community and putting further pressure on local hospital services.
Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said: “Norovirus can be a deeply unpleasant and debilitating illness, especially for people with underlying medical conditions, and it’s vital that everyone does what they can to stop it spreading.
“Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus, but frequent handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.
“Most people can usually manage norovirus at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol to reduce fever and discomfort.”
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) North West, said norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks and warned that vulnerable groups are most at risk.
She said: “Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.
“Norovirus can cause dehydration, particularly in young children, older people and those who are immunocompromised, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids.”
Bolton residents who develop symptoms are being urged to take steps to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Dr Kliner added: “Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes if you are unwell. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped, and do not prepare food for others during that time.”
NHS advice for treating norovirus at home includes:
Staying at home and getting plenty of rest
Drinking plenty of fluids such as water or squash (avoiding fruit juice or fizzy drinks, which can make diarrhoea worse)
Eating when you feel able to, while avoiding fatty or spicy foods
Taking paracetamol for pain or fever (checking the leaflet before giving it to children)
Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We have been working hard to improve our booking processes to improve productivity across our key services, and we look forward to rolling out these improvements further in 2026.
“We’re proud of the innovation being trialled at Bolton to make it easier for our communities to access care as quickly as possible, while managing growing demand.”
Bolton News has contacted Bolton NHS Foundation Trust for further comment on the current situation at Royal Bolton Hospital.
Residents concerned about symptoms can use the NHS 111 service, available online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More information on symptoms, treatment and how to stop norovirus spreading is available on the NHS.uk website.