Normal visiting arrangements have been reintroduced across all but three wards at West Suffolk Hospital.

Normal visiting arrangements have been reintroduced across all but three wards at West Suffolk Hospital.

The vast majority have reopened for afternoon and evening visiting after an outbreak of the highly contagious norovirus subsided.

On wards G3, G4 and F10 however, patients were still showing symptoms of the virus, which includes vomiting and diarrhoea, and will therefore only open for visiting between 7pm and 8pm.

The hospital warned that visiting restrictions could be introduced on further wards if patients become affected and advised people to contact the hospital switchboard to find out the latest information before leaving home.

Infection control doctor at the hospital, Caroline Barker, said: “As norovirus is so contagious, we are continuing to take extra precautions on the affected wards for the benefit of both our patients and their visitors.

“We are still asking anyone who comes to the hospital to use antimicrobial handrub, which is available in the foyer, when arriving or leaving the building. In addition, please wash your hands with soap and water when arriving or leaving the wards as this will help protect both you and our patients.

“As ever, we would urge anyone who is feeling unwell, or has had diarrhoea or vomiting during the past 72 hours, to stay away until they have fully recovered.

“We appreciate that the restrictions on visiting which were put in place to help bring the virus under control might have been frustrating for people, and would like to thank everyone once more for their patience and cooperation during this time.”

To contact the hospital switchboard call 01284 713000.