BROOMFIELD Hospital wants people who have recently suffered from diarrhoea and vomiting to stay away, to protect its vulnerable patients.

To safeguard staff and patients at the hospital from the winter vomiting bug, the trust is asking visitors and relatives who have suffered from the symptoms four days prior to their visit not to come in.

The warning follows a clampdown on visitors to one of the hospital’s wards after several patients suffered from diarrhoea and vomiting.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread anywhere people are gathered, including schools or offices, seriously affecting vulnerable patients.

Dr Louise Teare, director of infection prevention and control at mid Essex hospitals, said: “Although we have very good infection prevention and control measures within the hospital, it is important we take every opportunity to reduce any potential risk to patients and staff.

“Asking visitors to think carefully about whether they need to come into hospital is just one of the ways the trust manages to keep the number of cases of norovirus down at Broomfield Hospital.”

The trust advises people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and disinfect surfaces thoroughly to prevent the virus spreading.

Dr Teare added: “We know sometimes visitors feel they must take every opportunity to visit sick friends or relatives. However, if they themselves have been unwell, they could be putting others at risk.”

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk