A critical incident has been declared at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, Sussex, following a norovirus outbreak that has severely impacted several wards. The outbreak has resulted in the closure of nearly 30 beds and the temporary suspension of visiting hours.
George Findlay, the chief executive of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, described the situation as serious, emphasizing the necessity of declaring a critical incident due to the lack of alternative options available. The trust, responsible for managing the hospital, announced on Friday that the critical incident status would remain in effect for at least 24 hours.
Dr. Findlay emphasized the importance of managing bed availability for those in urgent need of medical care. He urged the public to refrain from visiting the hospital unless necessary, stressing that the priority is to ensure adequate resources for patients requiring emergency treatment.
Visiting restrictions have been imposed, with exceptions made only for specific circumstances such as end-of-life care or parents and carers of newborns and children. Visitors are advised to contact the relevant ward before arriving at the hospital to discuss their situation with staff.
Ambulances may be diverted to alternative hospitals to alleviate pressure on St Richard’s Hospital, with ongoing reviews scheduled throughout the weekend to assess the situation.
Dr. Findlay urged the public to cooperate with hospital staff and to seek medical assistance only in cases of genuine emergency. He emphasized the importance of supporting healthcare workers during this challenging time to facilitate the restoration of normal hospital services.
The trust has assured the public that measures are being implemented to address the outbreak and restore operations to full capacity as soon as possible.
