Public urged not to visit West Sussex hospital ‘unless you have an urgent clinical need’ due to rise in norovirus cases

St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester is temporarily suspending visits to affected wards, unless approved by the ward manager in exceptional circumstances.

The affected wards are Selsey, Ford, Boxgrove, Petworth, CCU, Bosham, Birdham, and Ashling Wards.

The hospital’s warning particularly applies to residents experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea, or anyone who has experienced norovirus symptoms in the last 48 hours.

Visiting to all other areas in St Richard’s is limited to one person, per patient, per day – but this rule does not apply to paediatric, maternity, or end-of-life patients.

The hospital said this is to protect both patients and visitors from the risk of illness.

A statement on the St Richard’s Hospital website read: “Due to an increased number of norovirus cases, please do not visit St Richard’s Hospital unless you have an urgent clinical need.

“This particularly applies to anyone who might be experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting, or who has experienced any symptoms in the last 48 hours.

“From today (Friday 21 March) we are temporarily suspending visiting to affected wards at St Richard’s Hospital, unless approved by the ward manager in exceptional circumstances.

“Currently the wards in question are Selsey, Ford, Boxgrove, Petworth, CCU, Bosham, Birdham, and Ashling Wards.

“This is to protect both patients and visitors from the risk of illness. If in doubt, please contact the ward directly.

“Visiting to all other areas in St Richard’s is limited to one person, per patient, per day.

“These restrictions do not apply to paediatric, maternity, or end-of-life patients.

“We will continue to monitor the situation, and thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.”