VISITORS have been banned from five wards at Arrowe Park Hospital after an outbreak of vomiting bug Norovirus

Restrictions have been put in place “until further notice” on wards 21, 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the hospital in a bid to stop the spread of the illness.

A spokesman for Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust – which operates Arrowe Park – said: “There has been an increase in the number of people coming into our emergency department with symptoms of Norovirus.

“We are aware that this highly contagious sickness bug is currently in the local community. It can be spread very easily both by contact with someone who has the virus but also by contact with surfaces and items they have touched.”

People with symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea within the last 48 hours are being urged to avoid A&E unless it is a genuine emergency.

The spokesman added: “To help contain and prevent the current spread of Norovirus, we are today (Monday) restricting visiting on a number of wards at Arrowe Park Hospital. Until further notice it will not be possible to visit patients on wards 21, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Visiting these wards will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Ward Sister or nurse in charge.”

If you are visiting friends and family at Arrowe Park Hospital on any other wards, you are advised to:

  • Avoid visiting if you are unwell or if you have been in contact with anyone who has e.g. with diarrhoea and vomiting
     
  • Use the hand gels provided when you come into hospital and on leaving
     
  • Remember that if you have had flu or Norovirus, or have been seen in contact with anyone who has, please do not visit loved ones in hospital until you are symptom free for at least 48 hours.


SYMPTOMS

Norovirus’ symptoms include a sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Some people may have a
temperature, headache and stomach cramps.

The illness usually resolves in one or two days and there are no long‐term effects.

You can follow these simple steps to help:

1. Take plenty of fluids
2. Wash your hands regularly
3. Keep yourself away from others – especially from GP surgeries or hospitals
4. If your symptoms continue for more than two days seek advice from NHS 111 by calling 111
on your phone or visit the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) for further information.