Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has suspended all visiting to patients with limited exceptions following a norovirus outbreak on wards at Stepping Hill Hospital – the measures will be reviewed on February 20
An NHS hospital trust in Greater Manchester has had to impose immediate visitor restrictions due to a norovirus outbreak on its wards.
The Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital, is grappling with a ‘very high’ number of norovirus cases, commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug, on its wards. This stomach bug triggers vomiting and diarrhoea.
The trust has now put a halt to all patient visits, with ‘limited’ exceptions made for those receiving end-of-life care, or patients with dementia or learning difficulties. The trust announced that this decision will be reassessed on 20 February.
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This move follows hot on the heels of similar measures taken by the Royal Bolton Hospital just days prior. Open visiting hours were suspended, with family members urged to steer clear of three wards currently grappling with infections.
In an online statement, the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “We have recently been experiencing a very high number of cases of norovirus on our hospital wards. We usually offer open visiting for those who wish to spend time with their loved ones, and we recognise the important benefits this brings for patients, families and carers.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“However, because of the increasing risk from norovirus to our vulnerable patients, and pressures on our services, unfortunately we are having to put visiting restrictions in place. We are currently suspending all visiting to patients, with limited exceptions including those at the end of their life, with learning disabilities or dementia. This restriction takes place with immediate effect, and the decision will be reviewed on Friday 20th February.
“Patients whose wellbeing will be adversely affected by these restrictions, such as patients with dementia, neurodiverse conditions or learning disabilities, may still have visitors, but please contact the ward staff to discuss in advance. We’ll be reviewing these measures on a regular basis and will lift any restrictions when it is safe to do so. Please be assured that these changes are being introduced with safety and wellbeing at the forefront.
“Thank you for your continued patience and support. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves, and we remain committed to ensuring visiting can continue safely for as many people as possible.”
The trust explained that to safeguard vulnerable patients, extra precautions were being implemented throughout the hospital, including enhanced cleaning in affected zones, heightened vigilance to identify cases and supplementary laboratory testing to detect affected patients promptly.
