Ward/Room Closure

Why is my ward/room closed?

The ward/room where you are a patient has been closed to new admissions and transfers in and out because a number of patients on the ward/ in the room are having symptoms of the same type of infection.  We want to stop any infection spreading to other areas in the hospital so we sometimes close wards/rooms to help us do this.

What will help to stop the spread of infection?

Hand washing with soap and water by staff, patients and visitors will help to stop infections spreading.  Staff may also need to wear gloves, aprons and face masks while they are caring for you.  These items must be put in the bin before they move on to care for another patient.

Extra cleaning has also been arranged for surfaces, for example, bed tables, lockers and floors in the ward/room. 

What can I do to help?

You should:

• make sure you do not have too many personal items on the bed table or locker top as this can make cleaning these surfaces difficult.

• make sure you always wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and before eating. If you need help with this please ask your nurse.
• let your nurse know if you are feeling unwell, have diarrhoea or have been sick so he or she can take the correct precautions.

Can I still have visitors?

When a ward/room is closed we advise that:

• visitors should not visit unless absolutely necessary.  This is to protect them from infection and to prevent the spread of infection to people outside the hospital ward/room.

• any visitors who are ill themselves should not visit, as they can spread infection to the person they are visiting which can lead to the ward/room being closed.

• visitors to the ward must wash their hands with soap and water and make sure their hands are dry on entering and leaving the ward.

• visitors should not sit on patients’ beds while visiting.

• visitors should avoid having food or drinks while on the ward.

• babies and young children should not be brought in to visit while the ward/room is closed, for their own protection.

When will the ward/room be reopened?

The ward/room will be reopened once the Infection Prevention and Control Department have advised it is safe to do so.  Before the ward/room is reopened a thorough (deep) clean of all appropriate rooms, floors and furniture will be carried out.  Once the ward/room has been reopened it is safe for visitors to come in as usual.

Will the ward being closed affect my discharge home?

Your discharge may need to be delayed, depending on the type of infection involved, and where you are going home to.  Patients going to nursing or residential care may be kept in hospital until the ward/room is reopened.  This is to stop the spread of infection to care homes.

If you have any further questions or concerns please talk to one of your nurses.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Refence: PIL1069
Date for Review: 10/05/2026