Help us stop the spread of winter bugs: Advice for patients and visitors

As we approach the winter months, we are asking all patients and visitors to support us in helping stop the spread of bugs and viruses in our hospital sites and clinics.

Please do not attend our hospital sites or clinics to visit friends or family if you have symptoms of COVID-19, symptoms of flu, or recent episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting. This will help keep patients and staff safe.

Stop the spread of norovirus

There has been a recent rise in the number of reported cases of norovirus. If someone has this virus at home it is usually a mild, self-limiting illness that causes symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting and generally resolves within 72 hours. It can, however, be difficult to contain in healthcare settings as the virus is very infectious and can spread quickly via the hands or in the air if the patient is vomiting.

Any visitor with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not come to a hospital until 72 hours after their symptoms have passed.

Anyone visiting or working in a hospital without symptoms should always follow good hand hygiene (soap and water) practice when entering or exiting a clinical area.

It is a fundamental part of the everyday care of patients and every member of staff within the hospital is committed to upholding the high standard of infection control held by the hospital. 

If you have respiratory symptoms or diarrhoea and vomiting and are due to attend an appointment or procedure, please seek advice from the relevant service before attending.

Masks are currently not enforced in our hospitals, but on some wards visitors may be asked to wear them. Masks are freely available for people who wish to wear one. We encourage everyone to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser when using our services.

• More information on winter wellness

Thank you for your support.