East Surrey Hospital declares Critical Incident amid raging Norovirus outbreak
Norovirus Chaos Slams Emergency Services
East Surrey Hospital is battling a nasty Norovirus outbreak that’s forced the NHS Trust to declare a Critical Incident. The spike in cases has crippled emergency services, compounded by staff illnesses and complicated patient discharges under tough infection control rules.
Strict Visiting Bans Hit Wards
To fight the bug, the hospital has clamped down on visiting. Only essential visits – like end-of-life care, maternity, paediatrics, and true emergencies – are allowed. Anyone recovering from vomiting or diarrhoea in the past 48 hours must stay away.
Patients are urged to reserve A&E visits and 999 calls only for serious, life-threatening emergencies. For minor ailments, seek help from GPs, pharmacies, NHS 111, or the NHS App.
Appointments Delayed, But Vital Treatments Go On
Non-urgent appointments may be postponed to focus resources on critical cases. But urgent treatments, especially cancer care, remain on schedule and unaffected.
Dr Ed Cetti, Chief Medical Officer, said: “These measures are vital to slow the spread of infection and keep patients safe.”
The hospital urges everyone to follow the rules and help tackle this Norovirus surge. Stay alert, stay safe, and help keep East Surrey Hospital running.
