Vomiting bug outbreak leads to closure of 98 wards

A VOMITING bug outbreak has forced at least 98 wards in 44 hospitals across Britain to close their doors to new patients, the NHS said last night.

The worst-affected areas are the north-west and south-west though no region has escaped the effects of the norovirus bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

A survey suggested the virus has cost British business £80 million (€106.9m) in the past two days because of staff illness.

The number of people calling in sick has increased by almost 40%, the research by Active Health Partners found.

One hospital trust has suspended routine surgery until the middle of next week, citing norovirus as a factor. Another is interviewing all new patients to prevent the virus spreading.

Many are restricting visiting hours, preventing the delivery of flowers and urging sick visitors to stay away until 48 hours after their illness passes.

The outbreak is forcing hospitals to introduce tough cleanliness measures.

One hospital said it was carrying out a “deep clean” before reopening wards and another reminded visitors to wash their hands as the alcohol gel provided would not stop the virus.

Doctors predict 200,000 patients contracted the virus between Christmas and the New Year.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital and Kidderminster Hospital will not recommence routine surgery until January 9 at the earliest.

The trust is talking to private hospitals about using their beds and operating theatres.

The trust’s chief executive, John Rostill, said: “We are admitting patients requiring a high degree of care — it is not just the number of patients but the fact that they are very ill.”

Some 45 patients will be affected by the suspensions. Others have had to be moved between hospitals and isolated because of the virus.

Martine Price, director of nursing at Musgrove Park hospital in Taunton, Somerset, asked families and friends to restrict their visits to the essential.

“Please do not visit patients if you have had any symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting in the last 48 hours, or have been in contact with anyone who has,” she said.