Visiting restrictions lifted at Scarborough Hospital

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has today lifted the visiting restrictions it imposed last week at Scarborough Hospital which were introduced in order to ensure the safety of patients and staff after an outbreak of Norovirus.

This was the first time that the hospital had enforced restricted visiting, a measure which was introduced in a bid to contain the virus and protect patients and staff.

Emma George, Assistant Director of Nursing at Scarborough Hospital, said: “We would like to thank our staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding.  

“All wards at Scarborough Hospital are open and we are now in a position where we are able to lift the restrictions. We would however continue to urge visitors to play their play their part in helping to stop the spread of norovirus. We would ask you not to visit if you or a family member has had nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours. If you have been ill, please do not visit until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

“We would also ask you to adhere to good hand hygiene when visiting. Always wash your hands with soap and water before entering the ward. This is really important because norovirus is a highly contagious. It is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands. Please ask the nurse in charge if you are at all unsure whether you should visit."

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.

If you would like more information about Norovirus please visit NHS Choices.

01 April 2016