Stomach bug numbers rise

Experts are trying to contain the spread of the virus

The number of people suffering from a vomiting bug at an east London hospital has risen to 138.

Twelve wards at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone remain closed to new admissions as experts try to contain the virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The first reported case of the illness was last Tuesday and 78 patients and 60 members of staff have so far fallen ill.

All patients referred by GPs or taken by ambulance are being diverted to other hospitals in the area, unless it is unsafe to do so.

A&E open

Two wards were declared infection free on Tuesday morning and it is hoped a further two wards would also be free late on Tuesday evening.

A spokesman for Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust said it was trying to maximise the number of wards it could open in the next 24 hours.

"We are taking action to group together people with this infection."

The accident and emergency department will remain open and no patient has been, or will be, turned away, said the spokesman.

Paediatrics, maternity and outpatient departments are also open as normal.