FIVE wards have been closed at Whipps Cross Hospital due to the winter vomiting virus.

As a result of a number of patients at Whipps Cross University Hospital with norovirus, five wards have been temporarily shut to new admissions to try to stop it spreading further to vulnerable hospital patients.

The hospital has also introduced a restricted visiting policy to ensure that only next of kin visit patients and children are only allowed with permission of the ward manager.

As a result of the large number of patients suffering from viruses, the hospital is experiencing a high level of demand for beds and is urging people to think carefully before attending A&E unless it is an emergency.

It is also encouraging anyone who has had vomiting or diarrhoea within the last week, or is feeling unwell, not to visit patients.

Norovirus is a common winter virus, which can be highly contagious and causes symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms usually last from 12 to 60 hours and often start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.

Patients with viruses are urged to contact NHS Direct first, on 0845 46 47 or at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and GP practices, including out-of-hours services.

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