THREE wards at Whipps Cross remain closed to new admissions as the numbers of people suffering from winter flu viruses soars.

The Leytonstone hospital has experienced a surge in the demand for beds for people suffering from the norovirus and flu.

But a spokeswoman for the trust said the hospital's overall bed status is not affected and that a red alert, meaning the hospital does not have enough beds to meet demand, is unlikely to be issued.

The trust is urging people suffering from the norovirus, often referred to as the “winter vomiting bug” to call NHS Direct or their GP rather than visiting Whipps Cross A & E department.

Three wards are closed to new admissions to control the spread of infection caused by the high numbers of people with the virus.

The hospital has also put in place a number of restrictions on visitors to the hospital.

Only next of kin can visit a relative and visits are restricted to two people.

No children are allowed without the permission of the ward manager.

It is not known how long the ward closures and restrictions will remain in place. The hospital's infection control team will make a decision in the next few days.

For more information about the norovirus, visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845 4647.

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