Greater Manchester hospital issues urgent warning after norovirus outbreak

A Greater Manchester hospital has issued an urgent warning to visitors after a norovirus outbreak on the site.

Six wards at Royal Bolton Hospital are affected by the outbreak of the stomach bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has this morning (April 26) asked visitors to wash their hands ‘thoroughly’ to help prevent the spread of the virus and keep patients and staff safe.

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In a statement posted on X, the trust said: “A norovirus outbreak is affecting six wards at Royal Bolton Hospital. We’re asking visitors to thoroughly wash their hands to help stop its spread and protect patients, staff and others from the virus. Handwashing facilities are available throughout the hospital.

“People who have had diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in the past 48 hours are asked to avoid visiting unless it is an emergency or they have been advised to do so by a healthcare professional.”

Lianne Robinson, Deputy Chief Nurse at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said the hospital wants to allow people to visit loved ones, but urged anyone entering the hospital to ‘do everything you can to help stop the spread of norovirus’.

“This can be done by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, and if you’d like to take extra steps you can ask on our wards for PPE,” she added.

Staff on wards will help any patients with the appropriate PPE if they wish to wear it, which could include face masks, aprons and gloves, a statement on the hospital’s website confirmed.

“To check whether your loved one’s ward is affected before you visit you can call the ward directly, where a member of staff will best advise you,” Lianne continued.

“Thank you for all your help as we manage this outbreak.”