Two wards at Ross-on-Wye Community Hospital have been closed to visitors, due to an outbreak of the Norovirus.

Health bosses at Wye Valley NHS Trust made the decision to close the wards as a preventative measure to halt the further spread of diarrhoea and vomiting which is affecting some patients.

Relatives of patients in the hospital are advised that limited visiting can be arranged on compassionate grounds.

While it is business as usual for outpatient services at the hospital, patients should only attend hospital appointments if they have been free from symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting for 48 hours.

The Trust is asking anyone visiting the hospital to practice good hand hygiene and to use the alcohol gels available at the hospital entry points in order to prevent any further spread of infection.

This kind of outbreak comes from within the community and is often seen at this time of year. Experience has shown that restricting visiting can lessen the chance of spread to both patients and visitors and to other areas of the hospital.

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

The Wye Valley Trust has issued a few top tips to help people protect themselves and their families from spreading catching and spreading Norovirus:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food. If you’re in an NHS facility pay attention to hand hygiene notices such as using hand gel upon entering and leaving a ward.

• Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a Norovirus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product.

• Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet. You should also keep the surrounding toilet area clean and hygienic.

• Wash any clothing, or towels, which could have become contaminated with a Norovirus. Washing with hot, soapy water will help to ensure that the virus is killed.

• Although people usually recover without treatment in 24-72 hours, it is important to stay away from work, school, college or any social gatherings until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.