UHNS Visiting Restrictions Eased Slightly

The suspension of visiting on wards closed due to noro virus has today been lifted.

There are currently five wards closed to new admissions compared with eleven last week when the suspension was introduced.

Visiting is still restricted on all wards to one hour a day, normally 6.30 to 7.30pm and no children will be allowed on the wards on both the Royal Infirmary and City General hospital sites.

Liz Rix, Chief Nurse, said: "Restricting or suspending visiting is never an action we take lightly and we are particularly conscious that families want to visit their loved ones in hospital at Christmas. We have lifted the suspension on affected wards as soon as we possibly could, but we need to keep the one hour restriction in place on all wards, whether or not they are affected by noro virus. We anticipate the restriction will continue until at least next Tuesday, although it is constantly under review.

"Staff will exercise discretion in some areas where families need to visit, for instance Children's wards, Critical Care and the Maternity department.  We are in the prime season for noro virus, commonly known as the ‘'winter vomiting bug'. Noro virus comes into the hospital from the community but is more contagious than the common cold and can be dangerous for vulnerable patients. We know how important visiting is for our patients and their relatives so we will not keep this restriction in place for any longer than we need to."

The visiting restrictions are in place across all wards at both the Royal Infirmary and City General hospital sites.

Anyone who wants to check the visiting times on any particular ward should nominate one family member to call the ward directly via the Switchboard on 01782 715444.

To help reduce the spread of the virus, anyone experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should seek advice from their family doctor or NHS Direct rather than coming to A&E unless they are seriously ill.

For further information or assistance please contact Sue Pantin, Communications Manager, on 01782 555400 or Andrew Ashcroft, Communications Manager, on 01782 555061.