THE Countess of Chester Hospital has now closed almost all of its wards to visitors in a bid to combat the winter vomiting virus.
The only exception are childrens’ wards and the delivery suite.
Visitors who need to visit patients in a critical condition should call the hospital switchboard on 01244 365000 and ask to speak to the nurse in charge of the ward the patient is in.
Staff at the hospital will be handing out information leaflets to inform visitors and patients of these measures, which will stay in place until further notice.
The latest tightening of arrangements come after strict infection control measures were enforced in three wards used for cardio, gastro and orthopaedics (42, 33 and 47).
The Health Protection Agency is urging people with the virus to avoid bringing it into hospitals, GP surgeries and residential care homes.
The agency advises anyone worried about vomiting and diarrhoea to contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or ask for a telephone consultation with their GP.
