Outbreak of vomiting bug forces hospital to close ward

It is not known how long the temporary closure of Ward 27 will last. Already this month the bug has hit the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and the Royal Hallamshire and Northern General hospitals in Sheffield.

Relatives of those being treated in Barnsley Hospital have been asked to restrict visiting or stay away if possible.

Sharon Linter, acting chief nurse at Barnsley Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We have taken an immediate decision to close the ward to new patients as a precautionary measure because we know this is an effective way to contain the virus.

"We will be taking various precautions to prevent it spreading further, including enhanced cleaning of the area concerned and restricting the movement of staff between wards as much as possible."

The hospitals trust is advising friends and relatives to only visit "if necessary" and, even then, only for brief periods.

A trust spokesman added: "Anyone who has had any symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in the previous 72 hours should definitely not visit.

"Visitors to the hospital should follow some simple steps. Always use the alcohol hand rub when entering and leaving the ward.

"Wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after contact with the patient.

"If you intend to visit your friend or relative please do not sit on their bed or the patient's chair, and do not bring food into hospital which will be left uncovered on patient's bedsides."