Common illnesses such as flu and stomach bugs, which cause sickness and diarrhoea, are particularly prevalent in the local community at this time of year.

We encourage friends and family to visit their relatives whilst in hospital, to cheer their day and give some company. However, we also need to protect our patients. We know that the Norovirus is out in the community and is highly contagious. It is not a nice thing for anyone to suffer, but for those in hospital, who are already poorly and vulnerable, the virus can be even more unpleasant and harmful.

Therefore, if you have been feeling unwell recently, experiencing any symptoms of diarrhoea, sickness or nausea and if you are recovering from a bout of sickness, please could you stay away until you have fully recovered, or for at least two days after your symptoms have gone.

If you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms of Norovirus, whether in the family, at school or work – you could also be bringing this virus into the hospital, so please stay away until it is clear that you have not picked up this bug. Your help with keeping this unpleasant virus out of the hospital is greatly appreciated.