Please do not visit hospital if you have been exposed to, or have, symptoms of sickness, nausea and diarrhoea.

Hospitals are full of sick people, many of them frail and elderly, so bringing germs into a hospital is the worst thing you can do.  We have an active programme of infection prevention but we can’t spot visitors who really shouldn’t be here.  Please stay at home if you’re unwell to help aid the wellbeing and recovery of our patients.

Norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK.  It's also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’ because it's more common in winter, although you can catch it at any time of the year.  Norovirus can be very unpleasant but it usually clears up by itself in a few days.  You're likely to have norovirus if you experience:

• suddenly feeling sick
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.

Please stay away if you have signs or symptoms of the virus, and do not visit until you have been clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours.