Critical incident stood down at Chichester hospital: services ‘under significant pressure’ as staff tackle virus outbreak

The hospital confirmed on Saturday, April 6, that staff were dealing with an outbreak of the stomach illness in a number of inpatient wards.

A statement on the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust website said on Saturday: “That means visiting at the hospital is still suspended, and we ask everyone to consider alternatives to A&E. This includes NHS 111 (via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111), as well as the Minor Injuries Unit at Bognor War Memorial Hospital, open until 5pm today and again tomorrow (Sunday). University Hospitals Sussex regrets having to extend the incident and understands the impact this has on those wishing to visit loved ones. However, it’s essential to reduce the risk of spreading the virus further and to keep our patients and staff safe. There are exceptions for those coming in to see patients receiving end of life care, or parents or carers of children. If in doubt, please contact the relevant ward directly.”

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The hospital said it is being supported by colleagues at Worthing, Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals and the South East Coast Ambulance Service, other NHS trusts and partners.

The Critical Incident was in place from Friday, April 5 and has now been stood down. But the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust said services ‘remain under significant pressure’.

An update on Sunday, April 7, said: “The Critical Incident at St Richard’s Hospital has now been stood down after good progress was made in the past 24 hours to improve access to inpatient beds. However, staff continue to face a significant challenge to control the spread of the stomach illness (norovirus) in the hospital, whilst caring for patients. Teams and services remain under severe pressure and visiting continues to be suspended.

“There are some limited exceptions to the visiting restrictions – for those receiving end of life care, and for children – but if in doubt please contact the relevant ward. The rules around visiting are being reviewed daily. Please consider alternatives to using A&E, if possible. They include NHS 111 (via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111) as well as the Minor Injuries Unit at Bognor War Memorial Hospital – open again today, in recognition of the pressures at St Richard’s. We recognise the hard work of colleagues at the hospital and across the wider organisation and thank them for their amazing efforts through this period of escalation. We would also like to thank South East Coast Ambulance Service, other NHS trusts and partners for their invaluable support.”

Dr George Findlay, chief executive officer of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said yesterday: “Declaring a Critical Incident is a really serious step to take, but we do not currently have any alternative. As things stand we simply had to take these actions to ensure we have the number of beds we need, for the people who need them most. Our message to people is simple – if you are not absolutely sure you need A&E, please use the alternatives first. Visit 111.nhs.uk, or call 111, and let the experts there give you help and advice.

“I absolutely understand that people want to visit their relatives and friends in hospital, but we must temporarily ask that people stay away. We simply must reduce the risk of spreading the virus more – many of our patients are vulnerable to infection, and would be at risk.

“Our staff need the time and space to get services back to normal. If you need them, they will be there for you, but please understand that they need your help and support, too. Only use them if you have to.”

He said: “We apologise to anyone who is inconvenienced by this, or worried – truly, we would not do this if it was avoidable. And I would like to thank our many NHS partners for the invaluable help they are providing at this time. We all know just how disruptive it is to divert ambulances from an A&E, but everyone has been incredibly supportive.”