Update: Visitors banned as contagious sickness bug closes seven wards at Princess Royal Hospital

More than 50 patients and 30 members of staff have been affected by the sickness bug, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

The hospital said the bug is a ‘particularly contagious strain of norovirus’ – which is also known as the winter vomiting bug.

To help reduce the risk of further infection, and protect patients, the Hospital has taken the ‘exceptional step’ of closing its inpatient wards to visitors.

Sheree Fagge, Chief Nurse said: “In order to stop the spread of this very nasty strain of norovirus we need to restrict the number of people moving around our wards.

“I know how much visitors mean to people in hospital and we have not taken this decision lightly. We will of course discuss special arrangements for individual patients and we thank everyone for their co-operation at this particularly difficult time.”

“Anyone with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should not come to hospital or visit their GP surgery. If you feel unwell with gastrointestinal symptoms you should stay at home and drink plenty of water. Please phone your GP practice or 111 if you need advice or a referral to the out of hours GP service.

“People can protect themselves and others by observing good hand hygiene measures, with soap and hot water, at all times.”

Princess Royal Hospital wards closed by sickness bug