OPERATIONS have been cancelled as St Mary’s Hospital tries to limit the spread of a suspected Norovirus outbreak.
Although 13 suspected cases of the virus, also known as gastroenteritis, were identified yesterday (Wednesday), this number is believed to have grown considerably as more cases are brought in from the community.
Visiting hours have been restricted to between 2pm and 3pm and 7pm to 8pm for essential visits only and all non-urgent admissions for surgery have been postponed.
Patients will be contacted if their appointment is cancelled.
Most day surgery and outpatient appointments are unaffected and urgent surgery will go ahead as planned.
Access to the hospital is through the main entrance only, except during visiting hours, and anyone entering the hospital must wash their hands at reception and on the wards.
Anyone who has been unwell should definitely not visit the hospital, particularly if they have suffered vomiting of diarrhoea in the past 48 hours.
The lockdown is likely to remain in force over the weekend.
Reporter:
emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk