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Important information about visiting Morriston Hospital

Image of the sign outside Morriston Hospital

12.01.26

The vomiting and diarrhoea bug norovirus is circulating in the community and as a result there are high numbers of patients with this infection currently admitted to hospital. 

Due to the high number of affected patients across the wards in Morriston, we have made the decision to temporarily close some of our wards to visitors.  This will be reviewed in 72 hours.

Please telephone the ward you are planning to visit before your journey.  If you have a relative admitted to hospital and they are on an affected ward and you feel it is essential to continue to visit, this can only be done with the approval of the ward leader.   Arranging to collect laundry items and to provide clean clothing or other items for your relatives can be agreed by telephone discussion with the nurse in charge.

  • What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a virus that is a highly-infectious type of gastro-enteritis that is easily passed on to others. Like any virus, antibiotics will not cure it.

  • What are the symptoms of norovirus?

Norovirus symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. You may also have a temperature (fever), headache and aching arms and legs.

 

  • How long does norovirus last?

Symptoms usually start within one or two days of becoming infected and can last a few days. You will remain contagious for up to 72 hours after your last symptoms. They can usually be managed at home and should disappear after a few days although. Try to stay well hydrated by drinking small amounts often.

  • How do you catch norovirus?

You can catch norovirus from having close contact with people who have the infection and from food such as molluscs.  As the virus particles settle onto surfaces around people who have symptoms of D&V, you may introduce the virus to yourself if you do not thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after touching contaminated items or surfaces.
 

Swansea Bay University Health Board Deputy Head of Nursing Infection Prevention and Control, Joanne Walters, is urging the public to help control the spread of norovirus, which is very easily passed from person to person.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is by washing your hands regularly with soap and water.

Washing hands with soap and water is always the best way to clean your hands. Always wash your hands in the following situations:

  • Before preparing food and drinks, before eating and drinking.
  • After using the toilet and touching items used by someone who is unwell with symptoms
  • After using a shopping trolley and other things that are commonly touched by other people
  • When hands are visibly dirty.

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.

We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.