Visiting has been suspended at two hospital wards due to an ongoing outbreak of norovirus.

All potential visitors are asked not to visit Willow C at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle or Ward 4B at the West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, until further notice.

There are exceptions for end of life patients and patients for whom, at the discretion of ward staff, it is felt that visiting is essential.

The North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust hopes the measure will help to minimise the impact of the ongoing outbreak.

Norovirus is continuing to circulate in the community and a small number of patients at both of the trust’s hospitals have been affected.

Meanwhile, Ward 4A at West Cumberland Hospital has now reopened to visitors after an outbreak of norovirus last week.

The health trust is also appealing for anyone planning to visit either of the two hospitals to stay at home if they, or their family members, have had diarrhoea or vomiting symptoms in the last two days.

The appeal is part of the essential measures designed to help control the situation within the hospitals and keep it away from vulnerable patients and staff who could pass it on.

The trust also wants to protect patients' privacy and dignity as much as possible during such an outbreak.

Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhoea and vomiting and the virus can seriously affect vulnerable patients.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly anywhere that people are gathered, such as schools or offices, especially during colder months.

Clive Graham, director of infection prevention at the trust, said: "We appreciate this is difficult for patients and their loved ones but the more people who pass through our hospitals, the greater risk of the virus spreading and affecting more vulnerable patients and hospital

staff.

"Everyone visiting our hospitals are reminded to please follow strict hand washing guidance and ask staff on the ward if unsure of how to minimise the risk of infection.

"If you have had norovirus yourself, please stay away until you have been symptom-free for at least two days."

The trust says anyone who feels that there visit is essential, due to caring for a relative with dementia for example, can contact the ward directly for advice.