While there is no doubt that the winter vomiting bug has affected many, four wards at a Derbyshire hospital have opened their wards for admissions now. Though there were lingering concerns that cases would rise in the time to come, it was found that total number of cases had reduced recently.

Having said that the trust at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has made it clear that they are not talking anything lightly and all imposed restrictions would be active till further notice. The hospital staff had a difficult time dealing with the rising cases after the norovirus outbreak hit the wards.

In order to ensure that there is no significant concern in the future, the hospital has allowed only two visitors for every single patient. In addition, they would be allowed to visit only for one hour.

Meanwhile, Poole Hospital is still grappling with rising cases. It has ordered complete ban on ward visiting so that total number of cases can be reduced. As of now, one ward and three bays on three other wards are under the scanner of being infected with norovirus. To ensure that there is no compromise made on patients’ safety, it was told that authorities concerned are doing their best to contain the infection.

“We understand how upsetting these restrictions can be for patients, relatives and other visitors and we thank them for their patience during this period”, said Director of nursing and patient services Martin Smits. It is necessary that visitors’ restriction is being activated so that spread of the illness is contained and there is no halt whatsoever in the normal operation of the hospital.

There is no impact as such observed on outpatient clinics, day case and diagnostic services and other patients are being taken care of well.