The hospital has been forced to keep restrictions in place
06:00, 06 Jun 2025Updated 12:55, 06 Jun 2025
Southport Hospital(Image: ugc)
Update 06/06/25: The Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has informed the ECHO that restrictions have now been lifted.
A Merseyside hospital is still battling a virus outbreak almost one month on from it announcing restrictions on people visiting the site. Southport and Formby District Hospital announced on May 9 that a period of visiting restrictions had been introduced with immediate effect following the spread of norovirus in the hospital.
Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread easily in healthcare settings, meaning vulnerable patients and staff are at risk. Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, often accompanied by a mild temperature or body aches.
When previously approached for further comment, the Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it continued to ask anyone who is feeling unwell or experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea to not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency. The trust said it would communicate when the restrictions were eventually lifted, with updates shared on its social channels.
If people are in need of urgent medical advice, they have been asked to contact NHS 111 online or call 111.
If people are experiencing symptoms and are due to attend an outpatient appointment, the trust is asking them to ring the department ahead for advice and guidance before attending.
People have also been asked not to visit the hospital if they have had any of these symptoms in the past 48 hours. This includes the emergency department or any outpatient appointments.
Posting on its website, the NHS trust said visitors should: “Wash your hands with soap and water regularly when entering and exiting the ward and hospital
“Do 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.”
For those visiting an adult inpatient, the trust is limited to one designated friend or family member per patient.
These restrictions do not apply under compassionate grounds for patients who are end-of-life or need additional support. People have been advised to discuss this with the ward manager.
If people are unsure whether they can visit, they have been asked to contact the ward. People have also been asked to attend any appointments alone.
If attending the emergency department, people have been asked to limit the number of people accompanying one person where possible.
Lynne Barnes, acting director of nursing, midwifery, and governance, 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.
“While we recognise how important visitors are to the overall well-being of our patients, we must stop the spread of this virus in our hospitals to protect our vulnerable patients and staff.”