Published at 17:41, Friday, 23 November 2012

AN outbreak of Norovirus at Royal Lancaster Infirmary has led to a restriction in visiting hours.

Five wards at the hospital have been affected by the highly contagious winter bug, which affects up to a million people in the UK each year.

The decision has been taken to restrict all visiting to wards 20, 21, 36, 37, and the Acute Medical Unit.

Unless it is an emergency, no member of the public should come to the hospital at all if they have been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 72 hours or been in close contact with someone who has.

Juliet Walters, Chief Operating Officer, said: “Whilst we understand that this will cause patients and members of the public some frustration, this measure will allow us to help prevent the spread of the infection and ensure safe patient care.
"Our staff are working extremely hard to deal with this outbreak quickly and this decision will help us return services to normal as soon as possible."

The norovirus illness does not last long and people usually recover between 12 and 60 hours with rest and lots of fluids.

The bug affects schools, workplaces and other areas where groups of people are in close proximity, such as hospitals.

The elderly and young can be more vulnerable to the infection and anyone with concerns should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk