ALL three acute hospitals in Worcestershire are closed to visitors following another outbreak of norovirus.

Friends and family members are asked to avoid visiting patients at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital unless their visit is absolutely essential.

This is the second outbreak of norovirus in the county’s hospitals this month.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s chief nursing officer Lindsey Webb said limiting the number of people coming into hospital wards significantly reduces the risk of spread of norovirus and helps keep the hospital running efficiently.

“We would like to thank all of those people who over the past few days have heeded our advice and avoided visiting the hospitals,” she said.

“We would also like to thank those who have arrived and been turned away for their understanding of the situation.

“I am pleased to report that this extra vigilance does mean that the situation is improving and we will be reviewing the situation again on Monday.”

Those who believe their visit is essential should telephone the ward directly for advice.

People who have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting are asked not to go to hospital until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

There is no treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course.

People suffering from norovirus are advised to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, was their hands thoroughly after using the toilet and not preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.

Towels and flannels should also not be shared and all surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected. Telephone your GP or NHS 111 for advice if the symptoms do not quickly subside or you have additional concerns.

The latest visiting information is available at worcacute.nhs.uk For advice call your GP or NHS 111.