Winter vomiting bug causes ward closure at Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital

The closure has been announced by South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Warwick Hospital where five wards are currently closed or partially closed because of the virus.

Arden Ward at Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital is closed, while Victoria, Mary, Hatton, Charlecote and Nicholas wards are closed at Warwick Hospital. There is also a partial ward closure at Ellen Badger Hospital in Shipston-on-Stour.

Norovirus is a seasonal viral infection which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It is very infectious, spreads rapidly and often occurs in outbreaks in communities such as schools, institutions and families. It can be brought into hospitals and cause outbreaks on wards.

The trust has issued the following rules for families and close friends hoping to visit its hospitals during the outbreak.

• Please do not visit the hospital if you have had diarrhoea or sickness in the last 48 hours.

• Children are not allowed on the closed wards that are affected with Norovirus.

• Only use public toilets and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Do not use patient toilets.

• Only visit if you are a family member or a close friend

• Restrict the number of visitors to 2 per bed in order for staff to complete deep cleans

• Wash your hands before and after visiting the wards

• You are advised to wear aprons and gloves (supplied) if requested by ward staff

• During this period, the ‘Let’s do Lunch’ campaign will be temporarily stopped on the affected wards. Do not bring in food or eat in the ward areas.

• If you need to visit other wards or hospitals, please ensure that you visit the affected ward last.

Anyone suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting should stay at home and drink plenty of fluids.