RELATIVES of patients at Whipps Cross University Hospital could be kept in the dark on their condition as visitor access remains barred, a resident has said.

Lynne Stevens, 58, of Beechwood Drive, Woodford Green, has been unable to visit her acutely diabetic 78-year-old mother, Greta Harris, for more than a week and only managed to speak to her by telephone today.

Ms Stevens said: “I asked if they could take the phone to her and they said they would call back in half an hour.

“I waited an hour and then phoned back and I did manage to speak to her and found out she's deteriorating rapidly.

“I can't go and see her, which is really frustrating. She's not getting any better at all.”

All wards at the hospital remain closed to visitors after an outbreak of the norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, which is highly contagious.

It can spread on surfaces and in the air, causing projectile vomiting and diarrhea, and can be especially dangerous for elderly people.

A total of 11 wards have been temporarily closed to new admissions.

Ms Stevens added: “Everyone who has a relative or friend in that hospital knows this is going on. I just can't believe it.

“My mum is seriously ill and I just want to be able to sit next to her bed.”

She also said she fears her mother may be at risk of catching the bug and that staff from a nursing home, who need to assess her in order to transfer her, will be unable to get into the hospital.

But a spokeswoman said guidelines were in place to limit infection and that medical professionals would be allowed in to assess Mrs Harris.

She also said the hospital was working to keep relatives informed and that volunteers had been posted at the entrance to explain the situation to visitors.

The spokeswoman said: “We've also got banners going up, messages on the website and there's a message on our switchboard.”

Visitors cannot enter the hospital until further notice, unless in exceptional circumstances, and security will be present on main entrances.

The shops, restaurant and jobs junctions are all closed to the public.

Those with hospital appointments have been asked to attend alone where possible and go directly to the relevant location, leaving promptly afterwards.