Gilwern Ward at Hereford County Hospital has been closed to visitors today, April 12th, due to cases of diarrhoea and vomiting caused by Norovirus.

Visiting has been stopped to prevent the further spread of diarrhoea and vomiting which is affecting some patients.

Alison Johnson, consultant microbiologist at Hereford County Hospital, said: “It is very important that any visitors with diarrhoea and/or vomiting do not visit other areas of the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

“We ask that you only come to the hospital if you really need to, particularly young children and vulnerable elderly visitors.

“Visitors to all areas of the hospital 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.

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

The Trust wishes to thank all visitors for their understanding during this period and to emphasise that these restrictions are in place to protect our patients, as part of a zero tolerance approach to healthcare associated infections.