Wards still closed after Walsall Manor Hospital virus outbreak
Wards remain closed to visitors at a West Midlands Hospital – a week after they were shut due to the winter vomiting bug norovirus.
Up to eight wards at Walsall Manor Hospital have been affected and the widespread closure steps were taken to prevent the highly contagious illness spreading.
Despite the visitor ban, outpatient appointments are running as normal and the A&E is still open. The situation was being assessed again today.
Amir Khan, medical director at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said the ban was imposed for the safety of patients at the hospital.
He added: "We realise that this is a long time for patients to be unable to see their friends and relatives but have had to take this temporary measure to ensure the safety of our patients and colleagues."
Norovirus has also hit Sandwell Hospital in West Bromwich.
Lyndon 3 ward at the West Bromwich hospital was closed to visitors after two confirmed cases last week.
However, it reopened earlier this week after staff completed a deep clean and said there were no patients who had shown any further symptoms.
There have been up to eight of the 25 wards affected by norovirus at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Health chiefs say it is believed people have been visiting who have, without knowing, brought the infection onto the wards.