RESTRICTIONS have been placed on visiting patients at Leighton Hospital amid fears of a Norovirus outbreak.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) has restricted visiting on all adult as the number of patients with suspected cases of Norovirus has increased in recent days.

The highly contagious virus has spread within the community, leading to cases now being present at Leighton Hospital.

Julie Smith, director of nursing and quality at MCHFT, said: “Whilst some of our wards are currently affected by a viral illness thought to be Norovirus, we are asking the public to not visit any of our adult wards at the moment unless essential, in order to allow for the effective management of the infection.

“We also request that if relatives themselves have felt unwell with diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick) over the past 48 hours that they do not visit, as our patients may be more vulnerable to picking up bugs.”

To help prevent the spread of the diarrhoea and vomiting virus, the Trust is restricting visitors to essential evening visits.

The Trust says it has stringent hygiene measures in place and a rigorous cleaning schedule to help contain any potential spread.

Visitors are asked to remember to wash their hands when coming onto or leaving a ward area, and to use the hand gels provided at the entrance and exit to all patient areas.

Ms Smith said: “The comfort and care of our patients remains our top priority, and we are doing everything possible to limit the spread of Norovirus and other infections. 

“Rather than risk passing on infections by visiting in person, we would suggest phoning the ward to check on relatives. 

“We are happy for patients to make and receive calls on their mobile telephones in day rooms, and staff can facilitate a bedside telephone call for those whose mobility is limited.”