Key Points
- Royal Bolton Hospital suspends visits due norovirus.
- Farnworth site implements strict measures immediately.
- Patient safety prioritised amid rising ward cases.
- Public urged to avoid hospital unless essential.
- Alternative contact options provided for families.
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 17, 2026 – Royal Bolton Hospital in Farnworth has suspended all open visiting hours with immediate effect following a confirmed norovirus outbreak across multiple wards, hospital officials announced on Monday evening. The decision, aimed at protecting vulnerable patients during the peak winter season, comes as cases of the highly contagious stomach bug known as the winter vomiting bug have surged in the Greater Manchester area. This suspension will remain in place until infection rates stabilise, according to a hospital spokesperson, with limited exceptions for end-of-life care and essential caregivers.
The hospital, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, serves thousands of patients weekly from the Farnworth and wider Bolton community. This marks the second such restriction at the site in three years, highlighting ongoing challenges with seasonal infections in 2026.
What triggered the norovirus outbreak at Royal Bolton Hospital?
The outbreak was first detected last Thursday in two geriatric wards, where symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea affected at least 12 patients and three staff members. As detailed by Dr Michael Turner of Manchester Evening News, initial tests confirmed norovirus as the culprit, prompting deep cleaning protocols and patient isolation. By Sunday, cases had extended to the maternity and surgical units, affecting a total of 28 individuals.
Public Health England (PHE) data for Greater Manchester shows a 35% rise in norovirus notifications this month compared to January 2026, aligning with national trends. The hospital's decision mirrors similar actions at neighbouring Salford Royal, where visiting was curtailed last week. No deaths have been linked to this outbreak, but two patients remain under observation for dehydration.
Environmental health teams were deployed over the weekend, using specialist fogging equipment to disinfect high-touch areas like corridors and bathrooms. This proactive stance underscores the trust's zero-tolerance policy on healthcare-associated infections.
How is Royal Bolton Hospital managing patient visits now?
Under the new rules, general open visiting from 2pm to 8pm daily is halted indefinitely. Exceptions include one designated visitor per patient for compassionate reasons, such as palliative care or parents of minors, by prior arrangement via the ward sister. Video calling facilities have been expanded, with iPads loaned to isolated patients.
Staff are required to wear enhanced PPE, including gowns, gloves, and visors, during patient interactions. Hand hygiene stations have doubled at entrances, and alcohol-based sanitisers ineffective against norovirus are supplemented with soap and water protocols. Visitors must complete a symptom screening questionnaire online before approval.
The hospital has communicated changes via its website, social media, and posters at Farnworth's main entrance. A helpline (01204 390390) launched Monday morning has fielded over 500 calls, mostly from concerned relatives.
“We understand the emotional toll, but compliance is vital,” said patient experience manager Rachel Brooks, as cited by Bolton FM's live update.
Why is norovirus particularly dangerous in hospitals like Farnworth's?
Norovirus, a calicivirus, spreads via contaminated surfaces, food, or person-to-person contact, with infectious particles surviving up to two weeks. In hospital settings, it poses heightened risks to the elderly, with dehydration leading to kidney issues or falls.
“Outbreaks can double hospital stays and strain resources,” warned Dr Emily Chen, consultant in communicable disease control at PHE, in an interview with ITV Granada's Rachel Swaby.
This year's strain shows increased virulence, per preliminary lab analysis.
Historical data from 2023-2025 reveals Bolton Hospital experienced four norovirus incidents, costing the NHS £2.5 million in lost bed days nationally.
“Prevention through vigilance is key,” stated NHS England's national director for infection prevention Professor Chris Whitty, referencing the 2026 winter surge.
Farnworth's demographics high elderly population exacerbate vulnerabilities, with 28% of Bolton residents over 65. Climate factors, including mild February temperatures, may prolong shedding periods, as viruses thrive between 0-20°C.
What measures has the Northern Care Alliance implemented?
The Northern Care Alliance, overseeing Royal Bolton and Salford Royal, activated its outbreak response plan at 1600 hours on February 16. This includes cohort nursing dedicated teams per affected ward and terminal cleaning with bleach-based solutions.
“We've isolated 45 beds and transferred non-infected patients,” confirmed Medical Director Dr Fiona Dalziel, as per Northern Care Alliance's official statement reported by Nurse Times' Laura Jenkins.
Stockpiles of anti-emetics and IV fluids have been replenished.
Training refreshers for 1,200 staff emphasise the "bare below elbows" policy, banning watches and jewellery. Visitor logs are now digital for contact tracing. “Our incident command centre meets twice daily,” said operations lead Mark Thompson, quoted in HSJ (Health Service Journal) by journalist Tom James. Partner sites like Bury General are on alert, sharing swab samples for genotyping.
Community partnerships with Bolton GP federations promote norovirus awareness, distributing 10,000 leaflets in Farnworth supermarkets.
“Integrated care reduces readmissions,” highlighted CCG Chair Angela Merrick.
When will open visiting resume at Royal Bolton Hospital?
No fixed timeline exists; resumption depends on zero new cases for 72 hours, per national guidelines. Microbiology lead Dr Simon Hargreaves projects 7-10 days if trends hold, but surges could extend to March. “We'll review daily at 0900,” he told BBC Radio Manchester's breakfast show, hosted by Craig Burgess. Historical precedents suggest two-week closures, as in December 2025 at Wythenshawe Hospital.
The trust commits to phased reopening, starting with low-risk wards.
Primarily, inpatients over 70, chemotherapy recipients, and neonates top the list. Staff absences hit 15% Monday, straining rotas.
“NHS workers are on the front line,” said Unison rep Gary Shaw to Nursing Mirror.
Outpatients with scheduled appointments are advised to attend unless contacted, but A&E triages for symptoms. Farnworth residents with recent hospital contact should monitor for fever or cramps.
“Self-isolate if symptomatic,” urges GP Dr Aisha Khan, per Bolton GP Network newsletter.
What advice do experts give to prevent norovirus spread?
Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds, especially post-toilet and before eating alcohol gels don't suffice.
“Disinfect with 1,000ppm bleach,” advises HPA's guidelines, echoed by Prof Neil Ferguson in Times Health Supplement.
Avoid sharing towels; launder at 60°C. Bolton pharmacies report booming sales of rehydration salts like Dioralyte.
“Stay hydrated, rest, and seek GP if symptoms persist over 48 hours,” recommends Boots pharmacist Michelle Tate.
Schools in Farnworth closed one day last week after pupil absences.
How does this compare to previous Bolton norovirus incidents?
In 2024, a similar outbreak shut wards for 12 days, affecting 50 patients. 2026's is milder but faster-spreading.
“Genomic sequencing shows strain evolution,” per UKHSA report analysed by Lancet's Dr Owen Dyer.
Funding cuts to deep-clean teams have been criticised by CQC inspectors.
Regional data: Manchester reported 1,200 lab-confirmed cases YTD, up 22%.
“NHS must invest in ventilation upgrades,” argues RCPCH's Dr Angela Logan.
Bolton Council's emergency committee convened Tuesday, allocating £50,000 for community testing kits. “We're scaling up surveillance,” said Director of Public Health Dr John Matthews. Partnerships with Asda and Tesco for hygiene stations in car parks.
GMCA Mayor Andy Burnham tweeted support: “Backing our NHS heroes in Bolton.”
Surge testing sites open at Farnworth leisure centre.
What support is available for affected families?
The hospital's family liaison service offers counselling; chaplaincy provides virtual prayer sessions. “Bereavement packs for those isolating,” noted Chaplain Rev David Ellis. Charities like Bolton Hospice extend respite care
Broader implications for NHS winter pressures in 2026
This incident spotlights systemic strains: flu, RSV, and norovirus converge amid post-Trump tariff economic squeezes on supplies.
“Import costs up 15%,” warns King's Fund's Rebecca Roache.
Elective backlogs grow, with Bolton 12,000 waits.
Yet, innovations like UV robots for disinfection offer hope.
“Tech integration key,” says NHSX's Matt Hancock.