25 April 2025

Last week we shared that we were experiencing high levels of demand for our urgent and emergency services, as well as a significant outbreak of Norovirus that was affecting many areas of the hospital.

So that we could reduce the risk of the infection spreading, we made the decision to introduce changes to our visiting restrictions that we have continued to review on a daily basis. Thanks to the hard work of our teams and support from our patients and communities, we are now able to update our visiting guidance to allow visiting to return to normal in most of our adult care areas from tomorrow (Saturday 26 April 2025).

From tomorrow (Saturday 26 April 2025) the following guidance will be in place: 

Visiting an adult inpatient: visiting will return to normal across our adult inpatient wards with the exception of A5, A6 and AMU. This is due to the number of positive cases still reported within these areas.

In A5, A6 and AMU (D1-D4), visiting will remain restricted to one designated friend or family member per patient for one hour a day. Visitors will need to continue reserving a time slot by contacting the ward directly. These restrictions will not apply under compassionate grounds for patients who are end-of-life or require additional support. This should be discussed with the Ward Manager. We will continue to evaluate this position daily.

Visiting is supported between 10am-2pm, and 5pm-8pm, seven days a week.

Attending outpatient appointments: we encourage patients to attend alone or with just one person, if possible.

Emergency Department: we continue to ask that patients attend alone or with just one person.

Children (NICU and Paediatrics)/maternity and birthing partners: no changes were introduced.

We recognise how challenging it has been for our patients and their loved ones while restrictions were in place, and would like to thank them for their support. We would also like to thank our teams for helping us move into a more positive position across the site. 

We ask that you help share this information and join us in reminding people about the importance of reducing contact with others if someone is experiencing Norovirus symptoms, not visiting hospitals or care homes until they are free from Norovirus symptoms for at least 48 hours and to only use the Emergency Department for genuine medical emergencies.