Norovirus cases are on the rise
Norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is highly contagious and spreads quickly particularly in schools, care homes and workplaces. It can spread through close contact, or by contaminated food or water.
Norovirus is circulating within our community, and we have seen some of our patients and staff within our Trust affected. This has impacted some of our wards leading to bed bay closures and restrictions on visiting patients on our wards.
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust takes the spread and control of norovirus seriously and we hope that you support us in keeping our patients, staff and visitors safe by taking time to read the following.
Changes to ward visiting
The following wards are closed to visitors except where patients are receiving end of life care, dementia patients and those who need enhanced care and advocacy from a carer such as patients with intellectual disabilities or autism.
- Ward 2: 020 8836 6000 / 4047 / 6713 / 6714
- Ward 19: 020 8836 6000/ 5468 / 5469
The following wards have partial restrictions on visitors due to specific bed bay closures. Please speak with the nurse in charge on the ward before visiting.
- Ward 1: 020 8836 6000 / 4056 / 4071 / 4072
- Ward 18: 020 8836 6000 / 5496 / 5497
Symptoms of norovirus
If you have norovirus, you may experience the following symptoms. These usually appear quickly, however, most people recover within a few days. Symptoms may include:
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Stomach cramps
- Headaches
- Aching limbs
- A high temperature (fever)
Prevention
Good hand hygiene is important in stopping the spread of the virus.
To stop the spread of norovirus, you should:
- Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water, especially after using the toilet contact with someone who is sick and before preparing or eating food. Do not rely on alcohol gels as this does not kill the virus
- Refrain from attending work or school if you are sick with diarrhoea and/or vomiting for at least 48 hours (2 days)
- Use bleach-based cleaners to disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated
- Wash contaminated clothing and bedding with detergent at 60°C, use disposable gloves to handle items
- Avoid visiting hospitals, care homes or other communal settings during this time.
What we are doing to minimise the spread of norovirus within our hospitals
Our staff are trained in how to manage suspected cases of norovirus and other diseases that can cause sudden, unexpected vomiting and/or diarrhoea. This includes:
- Informing our infection prevention and control team
- Isolating patients with symptoms in a single room or dedicated bed bay
- Continuing to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and warm water, and drying them thoroughly and encouraging patients and visitors to do the same.
- Wearing appropriate personal protective clothing (PPE), such as gloves and aprons, when coming into contact with vomit or diarrhoea and then disposing of them immediately afterwards
- Collecting specimens of diarrhoea and sending them for testing as soon as possible
- Educating patients and visitors about norovirus symptoms and any precautions they need to take
- Ensuring increased levels of cleaning, particularly in bathrooms and toilets, where bleach solution is used to guarantee the highest level of hygiene
Further information and advice
- Our norovirus information leaflet
- Call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk
- How to stop norovirus spreading - GOV.UK