South Cheshire health chiefs are to restrict Leighton Hospital visiting amid a rise in patients suffering the Norovirus winter bug.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) is appealing for visiting to wards to be kept to an “essential minimum”.
Norovirus is present across the Crewe and Nantwich community and is easily spread. This has led to cases now present at Leighton Hospital.
The Trust is applying temporary visiting restrictions on Wards 4 and 14 where only essential visiting is permitted and only in the evening.
For all other wards, potential visitors are asked to consider if their visit can be postponed to help limit the virus’ spread.
Symptoms of the bug include diarrhoea and vomiting, and can be serious to vulnerable to patients being treated for other conditions
Julie Smith, director of nursing and quality, said: “While some of our wards are currently affected by a viral illness thought to be Norovirus, we are asking the public to not visit these areas at the moment to allow for the effective management of the infection.
“We also request relatives don’t visit any other areas of the hospital if they themselves have felt unwell with diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick) over the past 48 hours as our patients may be more vulnerable to picking up bugs.
“The Trust has stringent hygiene measures in place and a rigorous cleaning schedule. Visitors are asked to remember to wash their hands when coming onto or leaving a ward area, and to use the hand gels provided at the entrance and exit to all patient areas.
“Rather than risk passing on infections by visiting in person, we would suggest phoning the ward to check on relatives.
“We are happy for patients to make and receive calls on their mobile telephones in day rooms, and staff can facilitate a bedside telephone call for those whose mobility is limited.
“The comfort and care of our patients remains our top priority, and we are doing everything possible to limit the spread of Noro virus and other infections.”
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