“We have recently been experiencing a very high number of cases”
An NHS hospital trust in Greater Manchester has been forced to restrict visitors
An NHS hospital trust in Greater Manchester has been forced to restrict visitors with immediate effect due to an outbreak of norovirus on its wards.
The Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Stepping Hill Hospital, said it is experiencing a ‘very high’ number of cases of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug on wards. It is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
The trust has now suspended all visiting to patients with ‘limited’ exceptions in cases where patients are on end of life care, have dementia or have learning difficulties. The decision will be reviewed on February 20, the trust said.
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It comes just days after the Royal Bolton Hospital also implemented similar restrictions. Open visiting hours were suspended with relatives urged to stay away from three wards that are ‘currently affected by infections’.
In a statement online, the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “We have recently been experiencing a very high number of cases of norovirus on our hospital wards. We usually offer open visiting for those who wish to spend time with their loved ones , and we recognise the important benefits this brings for patients, families and carers.
Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport(Image: InYourArea)
“However, because of the increasing risk from norovirus to our vulnerable patients, and pressures on our services, unfortunately we are having to put visiting restrictions in place. We are currently suspending all visiting to patients, with limited exceptions including those at the end of their life, with learning disabilities or dementia. This restriction takes place with immediate effect, and the decision will be reviewed on Friday 20th February.
“Patients whose wellbeing will be adversely affected by these restrictions, such as patients with dementia, neurodiverse conditions or learning disabilities, may still have visitors, but please contact the ward staff to discuss in advance. We’ll be reviewing these measures on a regular basis and will lift any restrictions when it is safe to do so. Please be assured that these changes are being introduced with safety and wellbeing at the forefront.
“Thank you for your continued patience and support. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves, and we remain committed to ensuring visiting can continue safely for as many people as possible.”
The trust added that in order to protect vulnerable patients, additional measures were being put in place across the hospital site, including additional cleaning in affected areas, raised awareness to identify patients and additional laboratory tests to identify affected patients early.