Hospital struck by virus again

Four wards at the hospital are not taking new patients

The winter vomiting virus has struck the Royal Bournemouth Hospital again.

In the latest outbreak, 27 patients and three staff have been affected by the Norwalk virus.

Four wards are closed to new admissions and staff have re-inforced infection control measures to combat the diarrhoea and sickness bug.

The outbreak, which took hold early this week, has meant people suffering from non-urgent conditions are being urged not to attend accident and emergency.

Visits restricted

Meanwhile, officials at the Royal Berkshire Hospital say they are coping with the infection despite 145 staff and patients having fallen ill.

Seventeen wards have been affected, with some restrictions placed on new admissions and visitors.

The town's Battle Hospital remains clear.

The airborne virus causes sickness and diarrhoea for between 24 and 48 hours but is not life-threatening.

The latest cases in Bournemouth come after other numerous outbreaks across the south during the last month.