24 April 2025

All visiting to York Hospital is being restricted with immediate effect to stop the spread of norovirus. The restriction will be in place until further notice.

There are four exceptions only to the restrictions. These are:

• For patients who are receiving end of life care
• Paediatric patients, that is babies and children
• Maternity care, and
• The family carers of those with dementia, who have a right to be present under the John’s Campaign initiative.

Dawn Parkes, Chief Nurse at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are experiencing a high level of norovirus at York Hospital which is affecting a number of wards.

“The virus is highly infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be brought into the hospital by family, friends or relatives.

“Norovirus is easily passed on by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands, and it spreads very quickly.

“Most people recover from norovirus within one or two days. However, it can be serious for some patients, including those who are elderly, are frail, have a weakened immune system or another health condition.

“While I appreciate that the decision we have made is a difficult one, our priority is to keep our patients safe from infection and to stop the spread of the virus as quickly as possible. We will lift the restriction once it is safe to do so.”

The Trust will be sharing updates on our website, at www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk

For more guidance on how to protect yourself and others from norovirus, please visit the NHS website at nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus.

Updated: 24 April 2025.