WHIPPS Cross Hospital has banned visitors from entering the site in a bid to tackle an outbreak of norovirus.

The hospital originally shut five wards to new patients and restricted visitor access to try and contain the spread of the illness, but has now called on the family and friends of patients to stay away.

Visits in exceptional circumstances can be negotiated with ward managers.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: "There is currently no visitor access to any of the wards at Whipps Cross University Hospital due to heightened infection control precautions until further notice.

"At present, the Trust is experiencing a high level of demand for beds due to a combination of a number of different viruses, including 45 cases of norovirus, in addition to flu and general winter illnesses.

"As a result of a number of patients at Whipps Cross University Hospital having the norovirus five wards have been temporarily shut to new admissions as part of infection control measures as a precaution to stop the bug spreading further to vulnerable hospital in patients. Elective routine operations are also being postponed.

"Anyone who has had any vomiting and/or diarrhoea within the last seven days and/or is unwell or feeling unwell should not attend hospital.

"Norovirus is a common winter ailment, which can be highly contagious and causes symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

"Symptoms of norovirus usually last from 12 to 60 hours and often start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.

"First ports of call should be to contact NHS Direct on: 0845 46 47 or via the website: nhsdirect.nhs.uk and GP practices, including out-of-hours services."