Concerns Raised Regarding Winter Vomiting Bug Problems

Work is underway at both Southampton General Hospital and New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton to tackle separate cases of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus, which have been identified at each site.

Express and Star reports that a total of 9 patients have been affected by the illness problems at New Cross in December, which follows the problems which originally began in November, and this has led to the closure of three bays in two wards. Visiting restrictions are in place.

In a separate case, the Daily Echo reports that two wards have been closed at Southampton General Hospital as a result of norovirus.

Visitors to Southampton General who have suffered gastric illness symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting have been urged not to visit for at least 72 hours after their latest episode of sickness.

A University Hospital Southampton spokesman told the newspaper: “Despite the restrictions, essential visiting is permitted on agreement with our nursing teams.”

Expert Opinion

These two hospital are the latest in a number to be hit by illness problems linked to the winter vomiting bug in recent months. <br/> <br/>"Our work acting for victims of illnesses, including norovirus, means we fully understand the huge consequences that such issues can have on them, often leaving them with long-term health problems which disrupt all aspects of their lives. <br/> <br/>"Steps must be taken to determine how the risk of such issues emerging can be minimised in future years." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner