An urgent plea has been issued from health professionals at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust asking people to think carefully before paying any non-essential visits to their hospitals. 

Beverley Geary, Chief Nurse, said: “We are experiencing a high level of norovirus in some of our hospitals which has resulted in the closure of wards and bays so that the virus can be contained.

 “This has meant that beds have been unavailable creating pressures on our system.

 “Closing wards helps us to contain the virus but visitors can play a large part by staying away if possible and we would urge visitors to think carefully before paying any non-essential visits at this time.

 “We are urging people who have been unwell with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting not to visit the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. This is really important because the virus is highly infectious and it is being brought into the hospital. The virus is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands.

“When visitors come to the hospital we ask that they follow guidance, which includes always washing their hands before and after visiting. This is to keep the virus contained and to help visitors to keep themselves safe as well as their friends or relatives.

“Most people recover within one or two days from norovirus, however if symptoms persist (more than 48 hours), the advice is not to come to A&E but to phone the GP or NHS 111.

“Visiting may be restricted and we would urge visitors to think carefully before paying any non-essential visits at this time. Patients, friends and relatives can call the hospital before visiting to find out if a particular ward is affected.”

Click here to read more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of norovirus

Click here to download our information leaflet on 'why is the ward closed?'

27 October 2015