Norovirus hits Wirral hospitals

By Paul Byrne

Wards at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals on the Wirral have been forced to impose visiting restrictions after an outbreak of the Norovirus.

The Norovirus is often called the “winter vomiting disease” as it mostly occurs during winter but can be spread any time in the year through contamination of people and objects.

Patients, staff and visitors have been urged to be vigilant towards anyone who shows signs of the community-spread virus.

The hospital is warning anyone who shows any symptoms or been in contact with those who have the virus not to visit so as not to risk a further spread of the highly contagious vomiting bug.

Wards: 10, 20 ,24 ,26, 33, 34 at Arrowe Park Hospital and ward R1 at Clatterbridge Hospital are closed to visitors and the remaining wards may be subject to a strict visiting policy.

The visiting hours are being restricted, no more than two people may visit a patient at a time and children are not allowed until the hospital authorities say it is safe to do so. The hospitals are currently reviewing the quarantine status daily while they work to contain the virus.

Those concerned wanting more information can call:

Arrowe Park hospital 0151 678 5111

Clatterbridge hospital 0151 334 4000