This follows NHS England data that revealed East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) – which covers Ipswich and Colchester hospitals – had nearly 50 cases of norovirus confirmed.
However, a spokesperson for the trust has stated that the outbreak was not the reason for a critical incident being declared last week.
ESNEFT have stated that the norovirus outbreak is unrelated to the critical incident declared last week (Image: Newsquest)
The national data discovered that ESNEFT recorded an average of 32 patients with norovirus in the week ending January 18.
That followed 17 cases being confirmed across the two hospitals the week prior – ranking their 49 cases as the 11th highest out of the 212 trusts in England.
An ESNEFT spokesperson said: “While the demand for our urgent and emergency services has been high, norovirus is not a reason for the recent pressures in A&E and the majority of cases have been at Colchester Hospital, not Ipswich.”
In contrast, the national data showed that West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust recorded zero cases of norovirus across the same time period.
Having declared a critical incident last week, ESNEFT subsequently downgraded that status earlier this week amid ‘significant pressures’.
Catherine Morgan. Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at ESNEFT (Image: ESNEFT)
Catherine Morgan is Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at ESNEFT said: “Norovirus can spread very easily and quickly.
“You can help to prevent the spread of this nasty infection by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
“If you catch norovirus, or you’re recovering from it, you shouldn’t return to work, school or visit our hospitals until you have been symptom-free for two days.
“If your symptoms are severe, persist beyond a few days or if you’re concerned, call NHS 111 or your GP for advice.”
What is norovirus?
Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It usually takes around two to three days for it to pass.
In medical terms, it causes gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
It spreads through contaminated food or water, surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals.