East Surrey Hospital declares critical incident over norovirus
Temporary visiting restrictions are in place
A critical incident has been declared at East Surrey Hospital due to a norovirus outbreak.
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has highlighted issues with staff sickness, patient discharge difficulties, and enhanced infection control measures contributing to the situation.
The Trust warns that non-urgent appointments might be rescheduled, while cancer and other urgent operations remain prioritised.
For patients ready for discharge, family support is encouraged for swift and safe release.
Temporary visiting restrictions are in place, excluding end-of-life care, maternity, paediatric wards, and the Emergency Department.
Visitors are requested to follow strict infection control measures including hand hygiene, wearing masks in clinical areas, and limiting movement on-site. More details are available on the Trust's website.
People are being asked to seek appropriate health services for their conditions.
Options include pharmacies, GP services, NHS 111, the NHS App, and walk-in centres.
Dr Ed Cetti, Chief Medical Officer for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said:
"In response to the continued high levels of Norovirus across our hospital, sustained demand in our Emergency Department, and the challenges we are facing moving patients around the site in line with necessary infection control measures, the Trust has declared a Critical Incident.
"Temporary visiting restrictions to all our wards at East Surrey Hospital therefore remain in place until further notice," Cetti said.
Patient and visitor guidelines remain under review.