Norovirus outbreak closes hospital beds in UK

An outbreak of the winter norovirus bug has closed scores of hospital beds in the UK.

Eighty-two beds have been closed on two wards and bays at the 500-bed Northwick Park in Harrow after patients developed the diarrhoea and vomiting illness.

Mark Purcell, of Northwick Park, said 14 patients were confirmed as having norovirus and two more probably had it but were awaiting test results.

One ward is scheduled to reopen tomorrow after beds were deep cleaned.

And the Richard Wells Ward was closed at Bedford Hospital to stop the spread of the contagious viral gastroenteritis among patients, visitors and staff.

Visiting to the ward has been restricted to one visitor per patient per day.

Director of nursing and patient services at Bedford, Eiri Jones, said: “It is vital visitors observe the restrictions, as limiting visiting to affected areas really does help to stop the highly contagious norovirus infection spreading.

“If you do need to visit the hospital, please ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before entering and when leaving the ward. Alcohol gel does not kill norovirus germs – but soap and water will remove them.

“Please do not sit on hospital beds when visiting and do not come in if you have been ill within the preceding 72 hours. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Norovirus is extremely contagious and is easily passed through person-to-person contact, unwashed hands, touching surfaces and through virus particles carried in the air.

“If you have had norovirus you will still be infectious for 48 hours afterwards, which is why it is vital you do not visit the hospital during this time.”