Norovirus closes ward at Furness General Hospital

The virus has caused diarrhoea and vomiting amongst patients which has meant the ward has been closed for admissions.

While visiting to the ward is not affected relatives are being advised: not to visit with young children, not to visit if they have suffered symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours, only visit their own relatives or friends, observe hand washing requests using soap and water before and after visiting any ward.

Angela Richards, matron for infection prevention and control, at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, advised that diarrhoea and vomiting is often highly contagious and can spread rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes.

She said: “It can be spread through contact with an infected person, by contact with contaminated surfaces or by consuming contaminated food or water.

“We hope by taking the measure to close the wards to admissions we can resolve this outbreak quickly – however we apologise for any disruptions caused to patients or visitors during this time.”