Norovirus: update for patients and visitors

24 February 2020

Also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, norovirus is commonplace within the community at this time of year.

Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting and can be passed from person to person. If you have had these symptoms in the last 48 hours, or have been in contact with someone who has, please do NOT visit our hospitals to help us reduce the risk of norovirus infections. Visitors can also help by ensuring they wash their hands well with warm soapy water.

If you are a patient due to come into hospital and have not had these symptoms in the last 48 hours there is no need to change your arrangements. However, if you have suffered from these symptoms in the last 48 hours please contact the ward or department you are due to visit to rearrange your appointment or inpatient stay, if necessary. Our staff will advise you.

Medical advice for those with norovirus is to rest at home, avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and eat foods such as rice, soup, pasta or bread, which are easy to digest.

To contact any of our hospitals click here. For general NHS advice on norovirus click here to find out more..