The NHS in Gloucestershire is urging local people to help stop the spread of Norovirus to protect vulnerable patients and support local services.

Local healthcare facilities, including hospitals, have seen a recent increase in cases which is affecting services and bed availability.

The key Combat Norovirus campaign messages are:

  • Do not visit healthcare facilities, like hospitals, if you have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting until three days after symptoms have stopped (even if these were mild symptoms)
  • Do not visit friends or relatives in hospital if you have recently (within the last 3 days) been in contact with anyone who has diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • Always wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. You should always do this after using the toilet and before preparing food. This is good practice whether or not you have symptoms
  • Do not handle or prepare food for other people until you have been free of symptoms for a minimum of three days.

If you, or someone you care for, needs medical advice visit www.111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111 in the first instance. More information on Norovirus can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/

Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, Marie Crofts said:

“The campaign reinforces our shared responsibility to combat the spread of Norovirus in the interests of patients, staff, relatives and the NHS as a whole. We would urge everyone to take heed of the key messages and act responsibly – it could make a real difference and could even save lives.”

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has published specific advice here about visiting and ward specific restrictions currently in place.