NHS forced to close 1,100 beds after virus outbreak

An outbreak of norovirus on hospital wards across the NHS has forced the closure of more than 1,100 beds in the last week.

The news comes amid record numbers of patients turning up to emergency departments at some hospitals and higher than expected cases of flu.

There are fears the dire situation could herald the start of a winter crisis for the NHS which is starting earlier than in previous years.

Miriam Deakin, Director of Policy and Strategy at NHS Providers, which represents hospitals said: “We are going into what is traditionally the NHS’s busiest time with a health and care system already under severe demand pressure."

“Patient safety is the top priority for trusts, but alongside high levels of staff vacancies, an outbreak of flu or norovirus could have a serious effect on the delivery of services.”

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Source: The Independent, 5 December 2019