Countess of Chester restricts visiting as norovirus cases grow

The Countess of Chester Hospital has temporarily suspended visiting to all adult acute inpatient areas following a rise in norovirus cases.

Hospital officials say the decision aims to protect patients and prevent further transmission of the highly contagious virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea but typically resolves within a few days.

Sue Pemberton, Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “To protect our patients and minimise the risk of further transmission, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily pause visiting to all adult acute inpatient areas at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

“This was not a decision we took lightly. Our priority is to protect our patients and minimise the risk of norovirus spreading. We will monitor the situation on a daily basis and return to normal visiting arrangements as soon as we can.

“We know it will be difficult for our patients and their loved ones to be apart and we are grateful for their patience and understanding.”

Visiting to the Critical Care Unit, Women and Children’s Building, and wards at Ellesmere Port Hospital remains unaffected and will continue as normal.

Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting bug,” spreads easily and can be carried by individuals who do not show symptoms.

The NHS advises people to help prevent its spread by staying at home if feeling unwell, washing hands regularly, and using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes.

For more information on norovirus and prevention measures, visit: http://nhs.uk/norovirus.