THREE wards at Poole Hospital have now been closed to new patients in a bid to restrict the spread of the debilitating norovirus.

And members of the public are being asked not to visit the hospital at all if they, or any members of their household, have had any kind of sickness and or diarrhoea in the past 72 hours.

Those wishing to visit a patient are advised to ring the ward in advance to discuss the situation with the ward sister or charge nurse.

It is believed the Lilliput ward which provides medical care for older people was closed, the post-natal ward was open to partners only and a ward for elderly people was also affected.

Denise Richards, matron for infection prevention and control, said: “Norovirus is unpleasant for anyone who catches it, but it can be particularly nasty for hospital patients who are already unwell.

“If you have had any kind of sickness or diarrhoea, it is really important you do not visit the hospital until you have been symptom-free for 72 hours, otherwise you risk bringing the virus in with you.”

Visitors are being advised to only visit the hospital if it is essential. They should wash their hands with soap and water after visiting wards, and use hand gels provided on the entrance to wards.

If a patient is due to go to hospital for a planned procedure or operation and has been unwell with any kind of sickness or diarrhoea they are urged to call the hospital before going in.

Visiting restrictions were imposed at both Poole and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital last Thursday (March 26) due to outbreaks of the unpleasant virus.

A spokesman for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital said they were continuing to manage the situation and re-iterated the advice above.

The incidence of norovirus has increased in the community and this can spread where people are in a close environment such as hospitals and schools.

Denise Richards added: “We would also like to say thank you for the understanding of all those who have been affected by the visiting restrictions we currently have in place.

“We know how difficult it can be not to visit loved ones if they are in hospital, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of the local community whilst we manage this outbreak.”

Norovirus: a factfile

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus which typically results in vomiting and diarrhoea.

The bug, which is most prevalent during the winter months, is spread through contact with an infected person or with contaminated surfaces or objects. Infection can also occur by consuming contaminated food or water.

There are at least 25 different strains know to affect humans and it is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the UK.

There is no treatment and, although most people will recover within a few days if they stay well hydrated, it can cause serious health complications for patients already ill in hospital.