LEYTONSTONE: Fourth ward closed at Whipps Cross as norovirus continues to spread (From This Is Local London)

LEYTONSTONE: Fourth ward closed at Whipps Cross as norovirus continues to spread

8:18am Friday 9th January 2009 in

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A fourth ward has been closed at Whipps Cross Hospital as fears mount over the continuing outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

The hospital initially closed three of its wards on January 7 in order to keep the virus from spreading to vulnerable patients and restrictions on visitors have now been introduced.

A spokeswoman for Whipps Cross said: ”Only immediate next of kin can visit a relative at any time.

"Visiting will be restricted to maximum of two people per patient and no children are allowed as visitors without permission of ward manager.”

Advice has also been issued to schools in the surrounding area not to allow pupils to use the hospital grounds as a shortcut as this could leave them susceptible to infection.

The spokeswoman added: “The Trust is urging people suffering with the winter vomiting virus to think carefully before attending its A and E department as a precaution to stop the bug spreading further.”

Those suffering from symptoms of the bug including vomiting and diarrhoea are urged to contact NHS Direct first, by telephone on 0845 4647 and online at nhsdirect.nhs.uk, or to visit their local GP.