One ward at Hereford County Hospital has been closed to visitors due to a confirmed case of Norovirus.

As a preventative measure, visiting to the Gilwern ward has been closed at the County Hospital to prevent the further spread of Norovirus which is affecting some patients.

Alison Johnson, consultant microbiologist at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We’ve had to close the ward to visitors to help lessen the chance of the spread of diarrhoea and vomiting to both patients and visitors and other areas of the hospital.”

She added that these kinds of outbreak come from within the community and are often seen at this time of year.

“It’s very important that any visitors or outpatients with diarrhoea and/or vomiting do not visit any of our hospitals until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.”

“Visitors to all areas of hospitals are requested to practice good hand hygiene and use the alcohol gels available in all wards/departments in order to prevent any further spread of infection.”

“Please only come to the hospital if you really need to. Vulnerable people, such as young children and the elderly, should not attend where possible.”

Wye Valley NHS Trust thanks all visitors for their understanding during this period and emphasises that these restrictions are in place to protect its patients, as part of its zero tolerance approach to healthcare associated infections.