The hospital has halted all visiting, apart from in a ‘limited’ number of cases, as it battles with a ‘very high’ number of norovirus cases on its wards
An NHS hospital trust in Greater Manchester has been forced to introduce urgent visitor restrictions following a norovirus outbreak across its wards.
The Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Stepping Hill Hospital, is battling a ‘very high’ number of norovirus cases, widely known as the winter vomiting bug, throughout its wards. This stomach illness causes vomiting and diarrhoea, reports the Mirror..
The trust has now suspended all patient visits, with ‘limited’ exceptions permitted for those receiving end-of-life care, or patients with dementia or learning difficulties. The trust confirmed that this decision will be reviewed on 20 February.
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This action comes closely after similar steps were implemented by the Royal Bolton Hospital just days earlier. Open visiting hours were halted, with relatives advised to avoid three wards currently dealing with infections.
In an online statement, 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.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“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 outlined that to protect at-risk patients, additional safeguards were being rolled out across the hospital, including intensified cleaning in impacted areas, increased monitoring to spot cases and extra laboratory screening to identify affected patients swiftly.