WHIPPS Cross University Hospital has stopped virtually all new admissions and operations as it struggles to contain an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

The drastic move to stop the spread of Norovirus through wards on the Leytonstone site was taken on the advice of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Monday evening.

Extra security was deployed to enforce a ban on visitors to most parts of the hospital, while 11 wards were initially closed in an attempt to protect vulnerable patients.

But a total of 19 wards have now been closed to new admissions, leaving only four open.

Ambulances have been instructed to take emergency cases to other hospitals, while most routine surgery will take place at other facilities.

The measures are expected to be in place until Friday to enable patients with the virus to recover.

Dr Lucy Moore, chief executive of Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust, said: “The hospital may be closed for up to 72-hours on HPA advice to allow the virus to clear from the cohort of patients currently infected with the virus.

“We currently have 19 wards closed to admission, leaving only four wards available for admission.

"The Trust has cancelled nearly all routine surgery and has sought to outsource this where possible.

“We apologise to any patients whose treatment is cancelled during this period but it is vital we gain some time and breathing space to ensure the norovirus bug is clear from our wards before reopening to patients and visitors.”

The hospital is still open to emergency admissions for maternity, children's A&E and day surgery. Diagnostics and outpatient clinics will also continue as normal.

The hospital's urgent care centre will see walk-in patients and ambulances will continue to take suitable patients at the centre to Whipps Cross.

A statement on the hospital’s website says: “First ports of call should be to NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or via the website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and GP practices, including out-of-hours services.

“If you need to attend hospital for an appointment where possible please attend alone and ensure you go directly to the location, leaving promptly after this visit. At all times please ensure you wash with soap and water.”

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter