OUTPATIENTS attending Whipps Cross University Hospital are being encouraged to bring their appointment letters with them in a bid to make sure they are not turned away.

Following an outbreak of the norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, two weeks ago, the Leytonstone hospital is almost completely closed.

Only four wards are currently open and security officers are present at all access points.

The outbreak has become so severe that they have been instructed to stop and question everyone entering the site as it is completely closed to visitors.

Shona Brown, director of operations, said: “If you have an outpatients appointment card or letter, please bring this with you to demonstrate your need to enter the hospital.

“It is not essential that you present this, but it will help us to assist you more quickly.

“If you received a phone call and have been instructed to attend a clinic, please inform the security guard of this.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and hope that the local community will support us during this time us as we strive to do all we can to stop the spread of infection.”

A total of 19 wards are now closed to new admissions following the outbreak two weeks ago and the hospital is under heightened infection control precautions until further notice.

For the maternity department only, one birth partner will be permitted onto a ward but no children are allowed.

Only one parent per child is allowed for children's services and visiting permission will only be granted by the ward sister in exceptional circumstances.

Anyone who has had any vomiting and/or diarrhoea in the last seven days or is unwell, for example with a stomach bug, should not attend hospital.

Patients are being urged to call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit the website at nhsdirect.nhs.uk

They are also being asked to contact GP practices, including out-of-hours services.

Symptoms of the bug usually last between 12 and 60 hours, often starting with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.