Poole Hospital has been hit by an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus.

Two wards have restrictions in place as well as the elderly assessment centre unit.

Relatives and other visitors to these areas are advised to contact the ward or unit first before visiting.

The advice comes following an increase in the number of patients with suspected norovirus in the hospital as a result of a rise in the local community, particularly in the elderly. The symptoms of norovirus include diarrhoea and vomiting.

"We're asking the public to help us ensure we can run services as smoothly as possible by not visiting at all if they have had diarrhoea or vomiting, or been with someone who has, in the past 72 hours," said Mary Sherry, chief operating officer.

"When visiting anywhere in the hospital only essential visitors should attend. We know that if we can reduce the number of people coming in and out of the hospital we can significantly affect our ability to limit the virus' spread.

"Hospital-wide formal visiting restrictions are not in place - we are simply asking people to heed our advice on responsible visiting."