NNUH seeks to minimise visiting while Norovirus still circulating

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital still has five wards closed to new admissions because of patients who have Norovirus. They are Docking, Elsing, Gunthorpe, Holt and Knapton.

The stomach bug is currently circulating widely in the community. We have not introduced any blanket restrictions on visiting but we would ask that only close family visit and that they visit only one ward and do not bring in children aged under 12 years. 

The important advice is not to visit hospital if you have had a stomach bug or been in close contact with someone who has over the previous few days. Washing your hands with hot water and soap is also essential for all visitors.

Dr Ngozi Elumogo, Director of Infection Prevention and Control at NNUH, says: “It is that time of year where we see Norovirus circulating in the community and our advice is to wash your hands as a matter of routine with hot, soapy water. Hand sanitisers and alcohol gel will work against some bacteria and flu viruses but they will not protect you against Norovirus.

“There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

“We remove hand sanitisers from ward areas during Norovirus outbreaks and ask people to wash their hands instead. To keep Norovirus out of hospitals, it is important that people do not visit patients if they have been ill with a stomach bug in the past few days or in close contact with someone who has had sickness or diarrhoea.”