East Surrey Hospital Declares Critical Incident Over Norovirus Outbreak

The Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has declared a critical incident at East Surrey Hospital following an ongoing outbreak of norovirus. The hospital, which serves as the primary acute facility for residents in Crawley, took the step on 30 March 2026 to manage high levels of the virus alongside sustained demand on its emergency services.

The outbreak began in late March, with initial restrictions on ward access put in place on 25 March 2026. The situation has been made more difficult by an increase in staff sickness, which has limited the hospital’s capacity to move patients around the site while maintaining necessary infection control measures. As a result, the trust has implemented strict visiting rules across all wards, with exceptions only for those visiting patients receiving end-of-life care, as well as maternity, paediatric, and emergency department patients.

Dr Ed Cetti, the trust’s Chief Medical Officer, said the critical incident was declared to help the hospital manage the pressure of the outbreak and ensure it could continue providing care. While cancer and other urgent operations remain a priority, the trust has warned that some non-urgent appointments may need to be rescheduled. Patients should continue to attend their appointments unless they are contacted directly by the hospital.

To help limit the spread of the virus, the public is asked not to visit the hospital if they have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours. The trust reminds the community that alcohol-based hand gels are not effective against norovirus, and thorough hand washing with soap and water is essential. Residents are encouraged to use alternative services for non-emergency care, such as local pharmacies, GP practices, the NHS App, or by contacting NHS 111. Residents may also utilise the Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital.