Immediate restrictions in UK hospital as outbreak sweeps via wards | UK | News | EUROtoday

An NHS hospital in Greater Manchester has introduced restrictions on visiting following an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital, stated it was “experiencing a very high number of cases of norovirus on our hospital wards”. The abdomen bug causes signs together with diarrhoea and vomiting, a excessive temperature, headache and physique aches and pains.

The restrictions imply visiting is suspended for all sufferers “with limited exceptions including those at the end of their life, with learning disabilities or dementia”. A press release from the belief added: “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.

“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.”

The restrictions are as a consequence of be reviewed on Friday, February 20. Hospital chiefs stated the measures could be lifted “when it is safe to do so”.

The belief added: “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.”

Other measures launched because of this go the outbreak included extra cleansing, raised consciousness to establish contaminated sufferers early and larger emphasis on the significance of hand hygiene.

Latest knowledge from the UK Health Security Agency final week confirmed norovirus instances remained excessive however had been starting to stabilise.

The variety of hospital outbreaks reported at the beginning of the 2025/26 season was a fifth decrease than the five-year common.

Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated: “Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks.

“We are seeing indicators that the virus is stabilising at these excessive ranges, however we have to begin seeing a decline if we’re to scale back the affect that this virus has on our communities and well being system.

“We are seeing the highest number of cases among individuals aged 65 years and over and outbreaks in hospital settings have increased too, so please remember the simple steps we can all take to stop norovirus spreading.

“Wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces to help stop infections spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.

“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those most vulnerable.”