Visiting suspended at hospitals amid Norovirus concerns

The suspension of visitors is expected to last a few days Credit: David Jones/PA

Visiting is being suspended at hospitals in Herefordshire after an outbreak of Norovirus.

Hospital bosses at Wye Valley NHS Trust say they have been forced to ask visitors stay to away from all its hospitals until the risk of spreading the winter vomiting bug reduces.

The Trust said the suspension of visitors was likely to last for a last few days due to the risk of spreading the virus and "enormous pressure" on services.

Some operations have been cancelled to ease the situation, after the County Hospital's Emergency Department admitted around 20 per cent more patients than normal over last weekend.

Around 50 per cent of its beds have been affected by Norovirus, with ward and bay closures.

The Trust said it was working closely with the Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and West Midlands Ambulance Service to do everything to ensure the most sick patients were seen and treated as a matter of urgency.

The County Hospital's Emergency Department admitted around 20 per cent more patients than normal over last weekend Credit: West Midlands Ambulance Service

People with minor illnesses and injuries are being urged to think twice before visiting the Emergency Department.

"We currently have a lot of very sick people who needattending to which inevitably means longer waits for those with minor injuries", said a Trust spokesperson.

Alternatives to visiting A&E include:

  • Ringing NHS 111

  • Visiting a local GP

  • Using the GP walk in centre

  • Visiting a local pharmacy for advice