AN outbreak of Norovirus has led to the closure of a ward at Furness General Hospital.

Visitors to FGH in Barrow are being asked not to visit if they have recently suffered bouts of diarrhoea or vomiting after an outbreak of Norovirus among patients closed Ward 6 to admissions apart from for exceptional circumstances.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) has reported an outbreak of the ‘winter vomiting bug’, with three wards currently affected.

The trust has confirmed that 18 patients on Ward 6, one patient on Ward 7 and two patients on

Ward 4 are affected by the Norovirus. No members of staff are said to be affected.

Patients in Ward 6 can be discharged home but not to another care facility.

On Ward 7 and Ward 4 in the areas affected, patients can be discharged home but not to another care facility.

Dr Shahedal Bari, Medical Director of UHMBT, said: “While for most people norovirus is unpleasant but short-lived, it is important to try to stop it spreading in order to protect those who are more vulnerable, including frail older people and those who are already in hospital for other reasons.

“In most cases if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms it is best to stay at home and

look after yourself until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.

“By not attending Furness General Hospital with Norovirus symptoms, you will help us to

keep our staff and patients free of the virus.”