Hospitals shut to visitors again

Arrowe Park hospital and Clatterbridge hospital closed to visitors for the second time this winter

The Wirral hospitals closed their doors to visitors before Christmas as flu swept through the wards, now they have suspended visiting because of Norovirus.

Staff and patients at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospital on the Wirral have been hit by the winter vomiting bug.

The closure does not apply to the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology which is still open to family and friends.

Tina Long, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “Norovirus is highly infectious and so it is important that we protect patients by doing everything possible to prevent the spread of infection.  

"When our hospitals were recently affected by the flu outbreak in the community we took the decision to temporarily suspend visiting and this action proved to be extremely effective.  

"We received a great deal of support from the public who recognised that the decision was made for the wellbeing of patients and we would like to ask for their continued support in this current situation.”  

Dr. Katy Kidd, Director of Infection Prevention and Control for NHS Wirral added: “To avoid spreading the norovirus, I would advise anyone with symptoms to stay at home and allow the condition to run its course.  

"In most cases, the symptoms will stop after two or three days.  

"Anyone who suspects they may have norovirus, or has been in contact with someone who has it, should not visit local hospitals, GP surgeries or care homes.

"People should not go back to work until 48 hours after the symptoms have settled to avoid the spread.”

They will look again at the problem on Monday 31st January.