People are asked not to attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency
10:26, 25 Feb 2026Updated 10:26, 25 Feb 2026
Southport Hospital
Strict measures have been introduced at Southport Hospital to stop the spread of norovirus. The hospital has called on people to “avoid visiting loved ones unless necessary” and stay well away if they have symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting or a high temperature.
Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. While most cases improve within a few days, the condition is highly contagious and spreads easily through contact with infected people.
To help reduce the risk of the infection spreading further, a period of restricted visiting has been introduced with immediate effect. This means the hospital is limiting visits to one designated friend or family member per adult patient each day.
These restrictions will not apply under compassionate grounds for patients who are on end-of-life care, or require additional support, however.
A Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said: “Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in healthcare settings, putting vulnerable patients and healthcare workers at risk. Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, often accompanied by a mild temperature or body aches.
“We are asking that if you are feeling unwell or experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea you do not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency. If you need urgent medical advice, please contact NHS 111 online or call NHS 111.
“If you are experiencing symptoms and are due to attend an outpatient appointment, please phone the department ahead for advice and guidance before attending the hospital.
“In addition, people are asked not to visit the hospital if they have had any of these symptoms in the past 48 hours. This includes attending any outpatient appointments or accompanying a patient to the Emergency Department.”
Sarah O’Brien, chief nurse said: “We are continuing to see high numbers of norovirus cases in our hospital setting and people are continuing to visit the hospital with norovirus symptoms.
“Whilst we recognise how important visitors are to the overall wellbeing of our patients, we must stop the spread of this virus in our hospitals to protect our vulnerable patients and staff.”
New rules at Southport Hospital: visiting an adult inpatient
Visits are limited to one designated friend or family member per patient per day. These restrictions will not apply under compassionate grounds for patients who are end-of-life or require additional support. This should be discussed with the Ward Manager.
If you are unsure whether it is appropriate for you to visit, please contact the ward team who will be able to confirm.
Visitors to Southport Hospital should:
Use alcohol gel to sanitise hands on entry to the hospital.Wash hands with soap and water on entry and exit of the ward.Not come into the hospital if you have symptoms of Norovirus including diarrhoea, vomiting or a high temperature. If you have had symptoms, please wait 48 hours after these have stopped before visiting. If attending as a patient, please contact NHS 111 for advice beforehand.
Attending appointments
When attending an appointment, the hospital wants people to attend alone, if possible.
Emergency Department
If you attend the Emergency Department, the hospital asks people to limit the number of family/friends accompanying them to one person where possible, and speak with the person-in-charge if they have any questions.
People can help stop the spread of infection by following these simple steps:
Avoid visiting loved ones unless necessaryPlease prioritise hand washing if attending the hospitalContact the ward for advice if neededPlease avoid visiting the hospital if you are experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting, or if you have had these symptoms within the past 48 hours. You can visit the NHS website for more information about Norovirus, symptoms and advice
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