Norovirus ‘ripping through hospital wards like wildfire’ as NHS boss issues urgent warning
Norovirus ‘ripping through hospital wards like wildfire’ as NHS boss issues urgent warning
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A hospital boss has warned norovirus “can rip through wards like wildfire”. The major London hospital has had to completely close three wards due to the sickness bug. It was announced the day after NHS England said hospitals are “almost full” amid a surge in norovirus and other winter viruses. Patients in the capital are having to be redirected from St George’s Hospital in Tooting after the norovirus outbreak.
Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, Group Chief Nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker. We are doing everything we can to limit the spread, but you can help us. Hand sanitisers such as alcohol gel do not kill the bug – the simple act of good hand washing with soap and water can make all the difference between our beds being used to care for patients, or lying empty at a time when every bed is precious.”.
The Mirror visited the trust last month to expose the extent of “corridor care” as hospitals come under more pressure than at any other time outside the Covid-19 pandemic. Infection surveillance by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) yesterday indicated norovirus rates rose 15% in the last fortnight. The total number of reports was 114.5% higher than the five-season average for the same two week period and remained highest in adults aged 65 years and over.
The NHS says norovirus symptoms usually last two to three days but people remain infectious for up to 72 hours after symptoms have stopped. It is warning people not to visit hospitals or care facilities or prepare food for others during this period. There is no specific treatment for norovirus but drinking plenty of fluids is advised to avoid dehydration. The main symptoms are:. You may also have:. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories.
