Health bosses issue black alert for Southampton hospitals following major norovirus outbreak

Health bosses have issued a black alert for Southampton hospitals because there are NO empty beds available across the trust, the Daily Echo can reveal.

It follows a major norovirus outbreak at Southampton General Hospital which was already full to capacity following a surge in admissions.

Seven wards are shut today with bays closed in four others as the hospital struggles to contain the bug.

The trust that runs the hospital has confirmed that some operations are also being cancelled because of the lack of bed space means they cannot be carried out safely.

Visitors are also being urged to keep away just days before Christmas.

Only “absolutely essential” visits are allowed - and they have to be agreed beforehand.

The hospital crisis comes as a Southampton school closed because more than 100 pupils and staff were struck down with the vomiting bug.

In a bid to stop the illness spreading further, the local authority was forced to shut the primary school on the last day of term yesterday.

Meanwhile South Central Ambulance Service told the Daily Echo it was experiencing an increase in call outs and pleaded with the public to only call for an ambulance in an emergency.

Its figures show in the first two weeks of December there were 1,000 more call outs than the same period last year.

A spokesman said: “We are urging the public to use us wisely to help to ensure that patient care is not compromised assisting us to respond to those patients in genuine life-threatening situations.”

Once in Southampton General Hospital accident and emergency, patients are waiting hours to be treated.

The latest NHS figures show last week the four hour A&E waiting time target was only met with 77.4 per cent of patients.

This is way below the target of 95 per cent - and places the hospital in the bottom 20 out of 140 hospital trusts in England.

About 181 patients were left waiting on trolleys for between four and 12 hours - up 53 on the week before.

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Southampton General and Princess Anne hospitals, said since October there has been a five per cent rise in emergency cases.

Dr Graeme Jones, director of the infection prevention unit at Southampton General Hospital, said the outbreak of Norovirus had created a vicious circle because elderly and disabled patients cannot be discharged while ill with the bug.

This means beds cannot be freed up for those being admitted.

Dr Jones said: “It's chicken and egg. Where we have a norovirus problem we have a capacity problem.

“Diarrhoea and vomiting is currently widespread in the community among all ages and the most effective way to prevent spread among vulnerable hospital patients is for people to avoid visiting us if at all possible.

“We are still seeing people self-present to our emergency department with no other symptoms but sickness and it is really important these people avoid coming to us when other options for advice are available.”

As norovirus continued to rapidly spread, education bosses yesterday shut Bassett Green Primary School in Honeysuckle Road, Southampton.

It is understood that 150 pupils and teachers were affected - just as they were expected to take part in fun end of term Christmas activities.

Head teacher Deb Sutton was said to be among those struck down.

In a letter sent to parents yesterday, she wrote: "As you will be aware, we have had a very infectious sickness bug in school for the last two days.

"Unfortunately, levels of sickness are now so high, that we need to close the school for health and safety reasons, and to prevent any other children from becoming unwell.

"The school will be closed to children and staff on Friday, December 19.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, and is a disappointing end to the Christmas festivities.

"However, I am sure that you will agree that the health of your child should be our utmost priority.

"This closure will enable us to do a thorough deep clean of all affected areas, and ensure that the building is safe for children to start back in January.

"Children should return to school as planned on Tuesday January 6, ready for school to begin at 9am.

"Thank you for your support this term, and I hope that you all have a lovely Christmas holiday."

A small number of staff were at the school yesterday to make sure children did not attend.

Cleaners were expected to enter the school to carry out a deep clean in a bid to stamp out the bug.

STAY AT HOME

STAY at home - that is the message from hospital bosses battling the norovirus outbreak.

Dr Zaid Hirmiz, clinical lead for unscheduled care at NHS Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), added: “We completely understand that people want to visit friends and family in hospital but, where possible, it's really important that people keep away from hospital and healthcare settings at the moment, as this makes a significant difference in keeping the infection under control.

“Norovirus is a virulent bug that can remain active on hard surfaces for days, so it can easily re-infect people.

“If you are unfortunate enough to contract norovirus, please stay at home while symptoms persist, and for at least 48 hours after they have subsided.

“However, if you're intending to visit any health setting, such as a hospital, care home or GP surgery, please wait at least 72 hours because the virus can be more serious in those who are already ill."

Dr Sarah Schofield, clinical chair of NHS West Hampshire CCG, said: “Most people can manage their symptoms at home without any medical intervention, but if symptoms persist for more than few days, please do contact your GP for advice. Also, if the virus affects young children or the elderly, you may need to take advice from your GP earlier.

“Ring your practice or call NHS 111 and they will be able to advise over the phone.”