Vomiting bug shuts hospital wards

The vomiting virus has led to the closure of seven wards at the hospital

Eight wards at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital have been closed to new patients following a viral outbreak.

The highly-contagious norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Affected wards include: Avon, Bolham, Bovey, Clyst, Culm, Durbin, Kenn and Okement.

People wishing to visit are asked to stay away if they have been recently unwell, or near someone who was.

Patients due for treatment who have had symptoms, or were close to someone who had, are asked to contact the hospital.

Easily spread

Elaine Hobson, director of operations, said: "Norovirus spreads very easily through contact with anyone who already has it.

"For hospitals it's a problem when anyone who has had the illness, or been exposed to it without their knowledge, comes in as a patient or a visitor.

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"Without realising it they may pass the bug to others - which is why we need to discourage all non essential visits to the hospital."

She added: "We are experiencing a high number of norovirus cases within the hospital which has prompted our closure of wards.

"Despite the publicity and notices throughout the hospital site, including the entrance to affected wards, people are still coming in to see their relatives and friends which could compromise our infection control measures and put their own well-being at risk."

Visitors will only be allowed access to the closed wards in "exceptional circumstances" and only when the visit has been agreed in advance with the matron.

Daily updates about the status of the wards will be posted on the hospital's website and anyone unsure about whether they should come in, either as a visitor or a patient, should contact the relevant ward or department.