Critical incident at hospital due to bug outbreak

Wards have been closed and a critical incident has been declared at Chichester hospital

A critical incident has been declared at a Sussex hospital due to a norovirus outbreak.

The bug is "seriously affecting" several wards with almost 30 beds closed and empty at St Richard’s Hospital, in Chichester.

Visiting has been temporarily suspended and people are being asked not to attend A&E unless they are sure they need emergency care.

George Findlay, chief executive of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Declaring a critical incident is a really serious step to take, but we do not currently have any alternative."

The trust, which runs the hospital, said on Friday the critical incident would be in place for at least 24 hours.

Dr Findlay said: "As things stand we simply had to take these actions to ensure we have the number of beds we need, for the people who need them most."

The trust said visitors would only be allowed on site in very limited circumstances such as those visiting loved ones receiving end of life care, or parents and carers of newborns and children.

People were advised to contact the relevant ward in such circumstances to discuss their situation with staff.

Ambulances diverted

Dr Findlay added: “Our staff need the time and space to get services back to normal.

"If you need them, they will be there for you, but please understand that they need your help and support, too.

"Only use them if you have to."

Some ambulances would be diverted to other hospitals, with this and the critical incident to be continually reviewed throughout the weekend.