Visitors asked to avoid wards affected by Norovirus

We currently have visiting restrictions because the Norovirus stomach bug is circulating widely in the community. Whilst we have not introduced any blanket ban on visiting, we would wish to restrict visiting and therefore ask people not to visit the hospital unless absolutely necessary and not to bring in children aged under 12 years.

It is important not to visit the hospital if you have had a stomach bug or have been in close contact with someone who has over the previous 3 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.

During Norovirus outbreaks we ask people to wash their hands instead of using hand sanitiser. 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 previous 3 days or in close contact with someone who has had sickness or diarrhoea.”