Norovirus latest: Six wards closed to visitors on Monday

Six hospital wards across the North East continue to be closed to visitors on Sunday following an outbreak of norovirus.

Ward closures were introduced a fortnight ago in nine hospitals in an effort to contain the virus after more than 170 people were affected by the vomiting bug.

All four hospitals affected are run by the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The following wards are closed and will not be open to visitors on Sunday:

• North Tyneside General Hospital: Wards 5, 12 and 15

• Wansbeck General Hospital: Ward 5

• Blyth Community Hospital Ward

• Alnwick Infirmary: Ward 1

Visitor restrictions are partially lifted for unaffected wards – visiting will be permitted for one hour from 14:00 to 15:00 and limited to two visitors per bed. Please note: this is subject to change at any time.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has said:

The trust is warning visitors, to all wards to remain vigilant and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water - not alcohol gel.

Children under 16

The trust also recommends that no no children under the age of 16 come to any hospital site as a visitor to our inpatient wards/ facilities.

They will not be allowed to visit maternity, pregnancy assessment or the birthing unit under any circumstances. Only immediate family will be permitted to visit the Special Care Baby Unit.

An NHS Spokesperson said: "This is for both their own and our patient’s safety, as they are among the most at risk of catching and/ or carrying both flu and norovirus."

Emergency Department, Ambulatory Care and Surgical Assessment Unit

Due to the risk of spreading illness to already vulnerable patients – as well as hospital staff and the general public – only one relative/ escort will be permitted per patient within the emergency department, ambulatory care wards and the surgical assessment unit.