Visitors banned as Carlisle hospital hit by norovirus

Visitors have been banned from Carlisle hospital after six separate wards confirmed cases of norovirus.

The trust which runs the Cumberland Infirmary took the decision today to stop all visiting hours until the virus can abate.

Health bosses are now appealing to the public to help minimise the impact of the ongoing outbreak.

A spokesman for North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Norovirus is circulating widely in the community this winter and a number of patients at the hospital have been affected, partly due to visitors with symptoms coming into the hospital to see their friend or relative.

"The trust has already appealed to anyone planning to visit its hospitals to stay at home if they or their family members have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the last two days.

"Now all potential visitors are being asked to refrain from visiting until further notice with the exception of maternity, paediatrics, intensive care unit and end of life patients."

Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhoea and vomiting. It is highly contagious.

Anna Stabler, deputy director of nursing and midwifery at the trust, said: “We currently have a significant number of beds affected by norovirus at the Cumberland Infirmary, so we are appealing to the public for their help in minimising the impact of this outbreak.

“We know that many visitors feel they must take every opportunity to visit sick friends or relatives, but at this time we would ask everyone to please refrain from visiting until further notice.

"We appreciate this is difficult for patients and their loved ones but the more people who pass through our hospitals, the greater risk of the virus spreading and affecting more vulnerable patients and hospital staff.

“Anyone visiting maternity, paediatrics or end of life care patients, please follow strict hand washing guidance and ask staff on the ward if unsure of how to minimise the risk of infection.

“If you have had norovirus yourself, please stay away until you have been symptom-free for at least two days.

“If you feel that your visit is essential due to caring for a relative with dementia for example, please contact the ward directly for further advice. We will continue to keep everybody updated on the situation.”