Hospital visiting restrictions relaxed further following norovirus outbreak

Updated guidelines have been released for people visiting wards at hospitals across Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Restrictions were introduced earlier this week at nine hospitals following a major outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus, which has affected more than 170 people.

Today, (Sunday 24th December) visitors will be permitted for one hour only between 2pm and 3pm on wards which are unaffected by the virus and is limited to two visitors per patient.

Here is a complete list of the hospitals included in the restrictions:

Seven wards at three hospitals remain closed to visitors. They are:

• Wansbeck General Hospital - wards 4 and 9
• North Tyneside General Hospital - wards 8, 15 and 24
• The Northumbria (Cramlington) - wards 4 and 10

All wards at Hexham General Hospital are now clear of the virus.

The Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust says it is doing everything it can to allow as much access as possible over Christmas, and is grateful for the support it has received from the public.

The next update, for Christmas Day visiting, is expected around 11:00am tomorrow, 25th December.