Strict measures have been put in place to help stop the spread of the virus
Urgent restrictions are in place at a Merseyside hospital(Image: ugc)
Strict measures have been put in place at a Merseyside hospital to help prevent the spread of norovirus. Southport and Formby District Hospital has issued a warning to people visiting the hospital in a bid to stop the spread of norovirus.
The measures include a period of restricted visiting which has been introduced with immediate effect from today (May 9). 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.
The Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has now asked anyone who is feeling unwell or experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea to not attend hospital unless it is a medical emergency.
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 pat 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
“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 has 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.
“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.”