Hospital closes third ward over norovirus cases
The norovirus outbreak at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital has led to the closure of a third ward.
Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust, which manages the hospital, had closed two wards on Tuesday after it confirmed five cases of norovirus – also known as the winter vomiting bug.
Wards 24 and 28 were closed initially, and now ward 27 has been added to the closure list.
The hospital said the wards have been closed because of the number of bays affected on each.
As a result of the outbreak visitors will not be allowed onto the affected wards unless there is a clinical need or if the patient is receiving end of life care.
People in any doubt about the policy are being asked to contact the ward before travelling.
Sara Biffen, deputy chief operating officer at SaTH, which also runs Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, said: “Unfortunately, due to the number of symptomatic patients, it has been necessary for us to close three wards to new admissions.
“We are taking all the actions we can to prevent any further spread, but we would also ask people visiting our hospitals to help us by only attending if it is absolutely necessary and, if you are coming to our hospitals, by washing your hands regularly.”
Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, which goes away in about two days.
Dr Patricia O’Neill, Consultant Microbiologist and Director for Infection Prevention and Control at SaTH, added: “Please do not visit hospitals or care homes if you, or the people you live with, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in the last 48 hours.
“If you are unsure whether to visit, please feel free to contact the ward you intend to visit before you come into hospital.”
