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Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Joint Statement from NHS, Merseyside Police, NWAS, Wirral Council 14th May 2026

Joint Statement from NHS England North West, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, and Wirral Council

We continue to work with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to support the repatriation of UK nationals, and contacts, of those exposed to Hantavirus for periods of isolation in the accommodation block on the site of Arrowe Park Hospital to ensure those individuals are ready to safely return home to continue their isolation as appropriate.

As guests continue to occupy the accommodation block on the site of Arrowe Park Hospital, we want to assure them, and the public, that the same high standard of care, support and professionalism that has characterised this response from the outset will continue for as long as it is needed. UKHSA and NHS teams remain on site directly supporting all guests throughout this period.

We’d continue to remind the public that the risk to the general public remains very low, as UKHSA has consistently confirmed. Hantavirus is not spread through everyday social contact, and robust infection control measures remain in place at every stage. The hospital continues to operate completely normally, and patients, visitors and staff should continue to come to Arrowe Park with complete confidence. There is no risk to patients, visitors or staff.

The outstanding efforts, dedication and care of staff and partners across the NHS, emergency services and local government continue throughout this response and we will work closely with UKHSA and all partner organisations as the situation develops.

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