Vomiting Bug Closes Hospital

All wards at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital are closed to visitors because of an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus.

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Warning to patients following vomiting bug outbreak

Any patients attending an outpatient appointment should not attend if they have experienced vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms two days prior to their appointment. This situation is being reviewed on a daily basis, but visiting is expected to be closed for the rest of the week.

– Dr Aresh Anwar, Medical Director, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

Vomiting bug outbreak update

Ward 3, Ward 6 and CCU, Ward 8, Ward 9 and a bay on Ward 19 are currently closed to new admissions at Heartlands Hospital following an outbreak of norovirus.

As there are also many cases of norovirus outside the Hospital in the community; Heartlands has closed all wards to visitors except for the outpatients department, intensive care, paediatrics and maternity units as a precautionary measure to protect patients.

– Dr Aresh Anwar, Medical Director, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

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Statement from Heartlands Hospital on Norovirus closure

In a statement, Dr Aresh Anwar, Medical Director, at the Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, said

“There are currently five areas closed to new admissions at Heartlands Hospital following an outbreak of norovirus.

“As there are also many cases of norovirus outside the Hospital in the community, Heartlands is closing all wards to visitors except for the intensive care ward** as a precautionary measure to protect patients. This situation is being reviewed on a daily basis.

“Visitors are asked to speak to their relatives and friends by calling the Hospital switchboard on (0121) 424 2000 and requesting to be put through to the nurse in charge of the ward. There are phones available at each bedside and there is a facility on the television to receive and send emails.

– Dr Aresh Anwar, Medical Director, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

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