King’s Mill wards closed by norovirus

37 patients and nine staff are affected on wards 34, 51 and 52.

Bosses have asked people to stay away if they are suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea to help stop the spread of the illness.

Susan Bowler, executive director of nursing and quality, said: “As a precaution we are asking people not to visit patients on the affected wards unless absolutely necessary. It is unfortunate that we need to take these measures but we wish to protect our patients by restricting the chances of people spreading this infection.

“We would like to remind people of the importance of not visiting hospital if they have any symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, or flu-like symptoms. We are asking all visitors, patients and staff to be extra vigilant in following hand hygiene guidelines, to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and to use the alcohol gel provided when visiting our wards.”

She added the wards would be reopened as soon as possible.