THREE wards have been closed at Weston General Hospital due to a Norovirus outbreak.

Otherwise known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, Norovirus is highly infectious and easily passed from person to person.

The outbreak has led the hospital to impose a number of restrictions stating that people should only attend if absolutely necessary.

The hospital is also urging people not to visit the hospital if they have suffered from sickness, diarrhoea, fever, sore throat or flu in the last 48 hours.

The three wards affected are Uphill, Berrow and Kewstoke with the restrictions expected to be in place until December 21.

Director of Nursing and infection control lead at the hospital Chris Perry said: “Norovirus is extremely infectious. 

“It is brought into the hospital from the community and so people coming into the hospital carrying the bug can easily transmit it to our patients.

“This is why we are urging people only to come here if their visit is absolutely essential. We have also put a number of firm restrictions in place.”

People who do attend the hospital are urged to clean their hands with alcohol hand rub or soap and water before entering the ward to reduce bringing infections into the hospital.

Restrictions also mean that only the same two visitors are allowed to see a patient in any one session and children under 12 will not be allowed to visit without the express permission of the nurse in charge.

Visiting hours remain from 2:30pm to 4:30pm and 6pm to 8:30pm.

Director of Nursing Chris Perry continued:

“We have put these restrictions in place with the hope that we can clear this outbreak – the last thing we want to do is start restricting visiting for patients who have to spend Christmas in hospital. This is why we really need the public to help us.

“Previously we have restricted visiting hours but we found this has a negative impact on discharging patients as we find it more difficult to liaise with the family. Therefore for the time being, visiting hours remain the same.”

Visitors who choose to enter one of the affected wards must do so knowingly, and will need to wear a plastic apron whilst they visit and wash their hands thoroughly before they leave.

Alongside visitor restrictions, stringent processes are in place for hospital staff.

Access to wards with Norovirus is restricted to all but essential clinical and healthcare staff such as physiotherapists and dieticians.

Gloves and aprons are worn when examining patients and strict hand washing protocols are in place.