Norovirus outbreak at Rochdale Infirmary

An outbreak of norovirus, the winter vomiting infection, has spread through Rochdale Infirmary and forced a number of wards to close.

People who are suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea are being asked not to go to the Infirmary in order to avoid spreading the infection.

A spokesperson for The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Infirmary, said: “Like many hospitals at this time of year, certain wards at Rochdale Infirmary are admitting patients with diarrhoea and vomiting and these patients are being given the best care available.

“A number of wards at Rochdale Infirmary have been affected by the Norovirus. This has resulted in a number of beds being unavailable and those affected wards have been closed temporarily to help control the outbreak. The Trust is confident these will re-open in the very near future.

“In efforts to contain the virus and to ensure our patients are safe, we are asking patients and visitors not attend hospital unless necessary.

“We would like to stress the appearance of Norovirus is not unusual at this time of year with many hospitals across Greater Manchester being affected. We would ask patients to follow the advice given by primary care and ambulance trusts to, wherever possible, avoid coming to hospital for treatment.”

Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “The best advice to protect you and your family from Norovirus is to make sure you wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, particularly before eating. Using a good household cleaning product on hard surfaces at home will also help.

“We would ask anyone who has Norovirus infection not to call 999, not to go to an A&E department, and not to visit their GP surgery as this risks spreading it to other people, patients and NHS staff. It is important for people to drink plenty of fluids. Your GP or local pharmacist will be able to give you advice over the phone, or you can contact NHS Direct for advice."