HEALTH bosses have urged residents to avoid visiting hospital unless absolutely necessary after an outbreak of norovirus at Whipps Cross and King George.

NHS Redbridge has called on the public to seek alternative sources of medical help where possible after the 'winter vomiting virus' and other seasonal illnesses have left services stretched at the two main hospital's serving the borough.

Five wards have been closed to new patients at Whipps Cross University Hospital to prevent the spread of norovirus - which causes projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, with symptoms lasting 12 to 60 hours on average.

The hospital has also introduced a new restricted visiting policy, so that only family members can enter the site at present.

Visiting at Whipps Cross is currently restricted to two people per patient, with no children allowed without permission of a ward manager.

Anyone who has experienced vomiting or diarrhoea within the last seven days and/or is unwell or feeling unwell should not visit a patient.

Visits, and visiting times, can be negotiated with ward managers in extenuating circumstances.

A spokesman for NHS Redbridge said: "NHS Redbridge is urging people to heed its Choose Well campaign and think about the best way of accessing health services.

"At present, both trusts are experiencing a high level of demand for beds due to a combination of a number of different viruses, including the norovirus, flu and general winter illnesses.

"In light of the outbreak, the first port of call should be to call NHS Direct on: 0845 46 47 or visit the website: nhsdirect.nhs.uk along with GP practices and the out-of-hours service."