Walsall Manor Hospital closes wards to visitors after norovirus outbreak
Walsall Manor Hospital has closed all of its wards to visitors this evening following an ongoing outbreak of norovirus.
Bosses at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust have taken the decision to close the wards at the hospital in Pleck Road to prevent the virus spreading further and to protect patients, relatives, carers and staff.
There are currently eight out of 25 wards affected by norovirus at the Trust, which said that two of the outbreaks - which are believed to have started last Friday - were caused by people visiting who have, without knowing, brought the infection onto the wards.
Mr Amir Khan, medical director at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "We have had to take this temporary measure to ensure the safety of our patients and colleagues. "We are sorry for the disruption and concern it may cause and thank people for their co operation. If there are any concerns please contact the nurse in charge on the ward who will try and assist you.
"We are especially asking that if you have had symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48hrs and do not need hospital services please do not come to the hospital."
Norovirus is a stomach bug which causes sickness and diarrhoea and is very easily spread from person to person and has already led to the closure of several wards last week.
The hospital is continuing to admit any people that require care and outpatient clinics and A&E continue to run as usual.
Visiting restrictions were being reviewed on Sunday.
Relatives with concerns about not being able to visit a friend, or relative staying in the hospital have been told they can discuss it with the nurse in charge of their ward, who will consider the case of each patient.
People can contact a nurse in charge by calling the switchboard on: 01922 721172.
