Norovirus back with a vengeance - ops cancelled (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Norovirus back with a vengeance - ops cancelled

6:10pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News

HOSPITALS in Worcestershire are under ‘extreme pressure’ because of norovirus and NHS chiefs have not scheduled any routine operations.

Stewart Messer, chief operating officer, said: "The situation with norovirus changes constantly. All acute Hospitals are currently under extreme pressure which is usual for this time of year due to the seasonal effect of winter.

"The severity of illness is heightened at this time of year with more frail and elderly patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, chest pain and strokes.

"In December, due to the Norovirus outbreak, we had 120 beds closed and we had a similar number of cancellations of surgery as we experienced in November.

“Cancellations are being kept to a minimum in January 2013 because we have not scheduled routine operations in the first two weeks.

“Every attempt is being made to maintain A&E waiting times in the light of these pressures. The safety of our patients and quality of care remains our first priority.”