Hospital restricts visitors as norovirus cases rise

A hospital has introduced strict visiting restrictions to halt the spread of norovirus after a rise in cases of the bug.

Patients at Southport Hospital are being restricted to one visitor per day although this will not apply to people receiving end-of-life care.

People attending outpatient appointments are asked if they can attend on their own if possible.

Lynne Barnes, acting director of nursing, midwifery and governance said: "While we recognise how important visitors are to the overall wellbeing of our patients, we must stop the spread of this virus in our hospitals to protect our vulnerable patients and staff."

She added: "We are continuing to see high numbers of norovirus cases in our hospital setting and people are continuing to visit the hospital with norovirus symptoms."

The restrictions also apply to ward G in Ormskirk Hospital.

The hospital also said: "We are asking that if you are feeling unwell or experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea you do not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency."

Known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is highly contagious with symptoms including sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, often accompanied by a mild temperature or body aches.

Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at The UK Health Safety Agency, said nationally "norovirus activity has remained high but has started to decrease in recent weeks, as we enter warmer months".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230