Stay away, hospital tells non-essential visitors over Winter Vomiting Disease outbreak

A spokeswoman for the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said that the hospital had been hit by cases of Winter Vomiting Disease, which is caused by the norovirus.

She said: "This virus is expected during this time of year but in order to effectively contain and control the virus, the Trust has the following advice for people who feel that their visit to the hospital is essential.

"We ask that no children visit the hospital unless they have an appointment and that all visitors adhere to ward visiting times.

"We encourage all visitors to the hospital to follow our good visitor guide and infection prevention guidelines.

"These include strictly no more than two visitors per bed, visitors not sitting on patient beds, visitors washing their hands with soap and water and alcohol gel and visitors refraining from visiting if they currently have or have had symptoms or have been in contact with a symptomatic person within the last 7 days

"The Trust advises anyone with symptoms including diarrhoea and/or vomiting to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to patients, other people and vulnerable groups in our communities.

"Although it can be very unpleasant, the illness is generally short-lived and most people make a full recovery within one to two days.

"If you think you may be affected by norovirus, stay at home and use the symptom checker on the NHS Direct website, which is also available on web-enabled mobile phones.

"Just go to www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect from any web browser or from your mobile. If symptoms worsen or persist for more than 48 hours, if you are a senior citizen or have a long term condition making you particularly vulnerable to infection, you can contact your family doctor or take advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Earlier this week, Mexborough Montague Hospital appealed for visitors to stay away after a ward was closed down by an outbreak of the disease.