October 26, 2017 12.00 pm This story is over 77 months old

Ward closure and restrictions at Lincoln County Hospital due to norovirus outbreak

Patients and visitors to Lincoln County Hospital will find restrictions and a ward closure due to an outbreak of the vomiting bug norovirus. One ward at the hospital has been closed to new admissions and a further ward is restricted as staff carry out safety procedures to stop the spread of the virus. Visitors are…

Patients and visitors to Lincoln County Hospital will find restrictions and a ward closure due to an outbreak of the vomiting bug norovirus.

One ward at the hospital has been closed to new admissions and a further ward is restricted as staff carry out safety procedures to stop the spread of the virus.

Visitors are being advised to stay away ‘unless absolutely necessary’. Children under five years should not visit.

Norovirus caused diarrhoea and vomiting and is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK. It is often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ due to its common occurrence during this season.

Simon Evans Director of Operations at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) said: “Lincoln County Hospital has had to restrict admission to some wards, because a number of patients have been experiencing symptoms of the vomiting bug norovirus.

“The restricted admission is just a precaution to prevent further spread of the virus.

“Visitors to Lincoln hospital are asked to only come if absolutely necessary and not to visit if they have had diarrhoea/and or sickness in the last three days. Children under 5 years should not visit.

“Those who are visiting should regularly wash their hands with soap and water, including when they enter and leave ward areas, to prevent further spread of the virus.

“We currently have one ward closed to new admissions and a further one which is restricted. Our infection prevention team are monitoring the situation closely.”

Visit the NHS choices website here to find out more about the illness and symptoms.