Norovirus closes Royal Lancaster ward

Members of the public are being reminded not to visit any hospital, school or care home if they have suffered from, or been in contact with someone who has suffered from diarrhoea and/or vomiting within the last 72 hours.

Visiting is being restricted to the ward while the outbreak is being managed.

Relatives and friends of patients on the ward are asked to contact 01524 583435 to make arrangements should they feel that it is necessary to visit.

Angela Richards, matron for infection prevention and control, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation trust, said: “It can be spread through contact with an infected person, by contact with contaminated surfaces or by consuming contaminated food or water.

“Norovirus is the most frequent cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales and typical symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea. People affected will feel unwell initially but will usually improve quickly as the symptoms settle over a period of 24 –48 hours.”