Restrictions Placed On Hospital And Five Wards Closed To Visitors To Prevent Spread Of Bug

Arrowe Park Hospital in Liverpool has put restrictions in place following a norovirus outbreak in the local community.

Five wards were closed to visitors on 23 March 2015 and those suffering from sickness and diarrhoea have been asked to stay away from the A&E department unless it is a "genuine emergency".  Furthermore on 24 March 2015 all visiting to the hospital was temporarily suspended except in exceptional circumstances.  The Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s website states: “We appreciate that this may upset some patients and their friends and families but hope they will appreciate that this action is being taken in the best interests of patient care.“

Symptoms of Norovirus include sudden vomiting and/or diarrhoea, with temperatures, headaches and stomach cramps also present in some cases. The illness usually resolves after two days with no long-term effects.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "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. If you have had symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea within the last 48 hours then please do not come to A&E unless it is a genuine emergency."

Expert Opinion

Norovirus is an extremely contagious illness and an outbreak in a community is extremely concerning. We welcome the action taken in order to reduce the spread of the illness. <br/> <br/>“It is crucial a thorough investigation is conducted to understand the source of the illness and that any measures should have been implemented to prevent its spread, as we have seen the consequences the illness can have on victims, with some sufferers being left with long-term health problems they may never fully recover from <br/> Amandeep Dhillon - Partner