East Surrey Hospital is grappling with a Norovirus outbreak that’s pushed the NHS Trust to declare a Critical Incident. The surge in cases has slammed emergency services, worsened by staff illnesses and tricky patient discharges under strict infection controls.
Strict Visiting Rules and Emergency Warnings
To curb the virus, the hospital has slapped on tight visiting restrictions across all wards. Only essential visits get a pass – think end-of-life care, maternity, paediatrics, and emergencies. The message is clear: don’t visit if you’ve had vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours.
Patients are urged to visit A&E or call 999 only for serious or life-threatening emergencies. For minor issues, turn to GPs, pharmacies, NHS 111, or the NHS App instead.
Appointments Shift to Handle Pressure
Non-urgent appointments might be pushed back to free up space for critical cases. But urgent treatments, especially for cancer, are on track and continuing as normal.
Dr Ed Cetti, Chief Medical Officer, warned: “These measures are vital to slow the spread of infection and keep patients safe.”
The public is urged to heed the warnings and support the hospital through this tough Norovirus spike. Stay cautious, stay safe.
