Warning as Worthing Hospital A&E ‘extremely busy’ and norovirus closes bays

The Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Tweeted to say ‘the A&E departments at Worthing and St Richard’s are very busy. Please consider other services such as calling 111’.

On the trust’s website, it said: “Our A&E departments are extremely busy but not everyone who attends our units in Worthing and Chichester has come to the right place to receive the right care for them. If you’re not a real emergency you could get quicker treatment closer to home, by visiting your GP, a local walk-in centre or, for simple coughs and colds, the local pharmacist.

“Remember, A&E stands for Accident and Emergency – not anything and everything. Save A&E for saving lives.”

The trust suggest people who are uncertain of what to do, should call NHS 111 for free health advice and assistance.

Norovirus closes four bays

The hospital has also urged people suffering with the norovirus sickness and vomiting bug not to attend until 48 hours after symptoms.

The hospital said there currently four bays closed across three wards due to the bug.

Helen Richards, lead infection control nurse at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Our first priority is to keep our patients safe, and so it is vital that people do whatever they can to avoid bringing infection into a hospital environment – we are caring for many frail people who are vulnerable to such infections.

“There is also the wider disruption that norovirus brings. Once it is present on a ward we have to act quickly to limit the spread – that can mean restricting visiting or even closing beds to new admissions at a time of year when demand for treatment is at its highest.

“If there is a chance you may be carrying the bug, please do not risk spreading it to others.”