Help stop the spread of the winter sickness bug

Date: 15/10/2024 | Category: News 2024

Norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is commonplace within the community at this time of year and is currently circulating.

Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting and can be passed from person to person. If you have experienced these symptoms in the last 48 hours, or have been in contact with someone who has, please do NOT visit our hospitals and help us to reduce the risk of norovirus infections.

If you are attending for emergency care please inform the ambulance crew or let the ED reception staff know the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

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.

All visitors can help by ensuring they wash their hands well with soap and water.

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 and services call 01296 315000 or call 01296 838888 for our out patients’ appointments line (follow the prompts to connect to the correct service).

For advice about Norovirus please visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/

Find out more about our infection prevention and control service.