Norovirus Outbreak leads to Critical Incident at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester
Norovirus Outbreak leads to Critical Incident at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester
St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester is currently dealing with a severe outbreak of the Norovirus, leading to a critical incident being declared. The hospital is facing a sizeable challenge, with nearly 30 beds having to be closed and left empty due to the outbreak. Consequently, visiting has been temporarily suspended, and people are advised not to attend the A&E department unless they require emergency care.
George Findlay, the CEO of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, declared the ‘critical incident’ due to the severity of the disease outbreak. The Trust has announced that there are no alternatives and this critical incident will be in place for at least the next 24 hours. Dr. Findlay has explained that these drastic measures were necessary to ensure that there are sufficient beds available for those needing urgent care.
The hospital is currently allowing very limited visitors, with exceptions being made for those visiting patients in end-of-life care or parents and carers of newborns and children. People are advised to contact the relevant ward to discuss their situation before coming to the hospital. To manage the current crisis, some ambulances will be diverted to other hospitals, and the situation will be continually monitored throughout the coming days.
Looking ahead, the hospital management and staff are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety of all patients. The public is urged to adhere to the guidance and avoid visiting the hospital unless it’s absolutely necessary. The cooperation of everyone is required to help the hospital get back to normal functioning as soon as possible.
