Strict visiting rules brought in to stop spread of norovirus at this hospital near you
Strict measures have been introduced at Southport Hospital to stop the spread of Norovirus.
To help reduce the risk of infection spreading further, a period of restricted visiting has been introduced with immediate effect (Wednesday, February 25).
These include limiting visiting to one designated friend or family member per patient per day and attending appointments alone, if possible.
Southport hospital is often used by people from West Lancashire, the western parishes of South Ribble and Merseyside.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in healthcare settings, putting vulnerable patients and healthcare workers at risk. Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, often accompanied by a mild temperature or body aches.
A spokesman for Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, 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. If you need urgent medical advice, please contact NHS 111 online or call NHS 111.
“If you are experiencing symptoms and are due to attend an outpatient appointment, please phone the department ahead for advice and guidance before attending the hospital.
“In addition, people are asked not to visit the hospital if they have had any of these symptoms in the past 48 hours. This includes attending any outpatient appointments or accompanying a patient to the Emergency Department.”
Visiting an adult inpatient
The Trust is limiting visiting to one designated friend or family member per patient per day.
These restrictions will not apply under compassionate grounds for patients who are end-of-life or require additional support. This should be discussed with the Ward Manager.
If you are unsure whether it is appropriate for you to visit, contact the ward team who will be able to confirm.
Attending appointments
When attending an appointment, ths Trust asks that, if possible, you attend alone.
Emergency Department
If you attend the Emergency Department, the Trust asks that you limit the number of people accompanying you to one person, where possible. A spokesman said: “We understand this is not always possible, so please speak with the person-in-charge if you have any questions.”
Visitors to sites should:
Use alcohol gel to sanitise hands on entry to the hospital.
Wash hands with soap and water on entry and exit of the ward.
Not come into the hospital if they have symptoms of Norovirus including diarrhoea, vomiting or a high temperature. If you have had symptoms, wait 48 hours after these have stopped before visiting. If attending as a patient, contact NHS 111 for advice beforehand.
People can help stop the spread of infection by following these simple steps:
- Avoid visiting loved ones unless necessary.
- Please prioritise hand washing if attending the hospital.
- Contact the ward for advice if needed.
- Please avoid visiting the hospital if you are experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting, or if you have had these symptoms within the past 48 hours. You can visit the NHS website for more information about Norovirus, symptoms and advice.
Hospital Visiting Hours
Current visiting times for adult wards are generally 1.30pm to 4pm and 6-8pm. Some wards operate different visiting hours. See below for more details.
Wards with different visiting hours:
- Ward 9A, Southport Hospital - 12.00pm to 8.00pm
- Ward 10b, Southport Hospital - 2.00pm to 5.00pm and 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
- Ward 11a, Southport Hospital - 2.00pm to 4.00pm and 6.00pm to 7.00pm.
- Ward 11b, Southport Hospital - 12.00pm to 8.00pm
- Ward 14b, Southport Hospital - 12.00pm to 8.00pm
- Ward 15b, Southport Hospital - 1.00pm to 4.30pm and 6.30pm to 8.00pm.
- Ward G, Ormskirk Hospital - 1.00pm to 4.30pm and 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
Separate arrangements are in place for visits to:
- Children’s ward and A&E: two parents/carers per child
- Maternity and neonatal
- North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre
Please speak to the ward or department concerned for further information.
Switchboard numbers
To confirm that the ward you are planning to visit is currently open, call the switchboard numbers:
- Southport Hospital: 01704 547471
- Ormskirk Hospital: 01695 577111
Requests to visit outside this guidance should be discussed with the nurse or matron in charge. Individual visiting plans can be supported in exceptional circumstances. Wards and/or individual bays may be closed without notice for infection prevention and control reason e.g. norovirus.
What precautions must visitors take?
There is no longer a requirement for all visitors to wear masks when on Trust premises. However, this will still be required in areas where there are increased numbers of respiratory virus infections – please speak to the nurse in charge of the ward/department for further information.
If you have a requirement to wear a mask due to health reasons or due to personal preference, masks will be provided at the hospital entrances.
What alternatives are there to contacting someone in hospital?
Video calls. The Trust can facilitate pre-arranged video calls using an iPad by contacting a member of staff on the appropriate ward. If your loved one has their own device and can accept video or telephone calls independently, it is encouraged to keep in touch this way.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) service offers support, information and assistance to patients, relatives and visitors. The team can also provide help and advice if you have a concern or complaint that staff have not been able to resolve for you. Email [email protected].
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