Sickness virus closes five wards

Five wards at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) have been closed after an outbreak of norovirus.

Visiting hours have been restricted and only two visitors allowed per patient between 1400 and 1500 GMT, and between 1900 and 2000 GMT.

"We are also asking visitors not to bring children under 11 except to maternity and children's wards," a hospital spokeswoman said.

People with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting are also asked to stay away.

"We understand that people will want to visit family and friends in hospital this weekend, but we are asking to keep those visits to a minimum so that we can continue to provide our patients with the best possible care," the spokeswoman added.

Symptoms appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus, also known as a winter sickness bug, and can last for up to three days.

Those due to come into the hospital for an operation or appointment and have symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting should phone the hospital and get further advice.

Visitors are also asked not to bring in food that could stay on lockers unwrapped such as crisps, chocolates, fruit or cake.