 Visiting hours are being restricted at Hull Royal Infirmary. |
Health bosses say an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea at two East Yorkshire hospitals is not caused by dirty wards. So far 230 patients and 89 staff have been affected by a virus at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital at Cottingham.
Medical Director Dr David Hepburn said the virus was being brought in from the community.
"It is not the result of a cleanliness issue within the hospitals," he said.
A total of 23 wards at the two hospitals have been affected by the Noro virus, which is a common cause of sickness.
Fruit and flowers
Dr Hepburn said the number of new cases was now declining, and it was hoped that many of the wards could be reopened after deep cleaning at the weekend.
Visiting is being limited to two hours a day and visitors are banned from bringing in fruit and flowers as these can transmit the virus.
Visitors are also being asked to wash their hands before and after every visit.
"While a virus such as this is not often life-threatening, it is extremely unpleasant and can complicate an existing illness," Dr Hepburn said.
"Our staff are continuing to rehydrate those patients affected and offer support and sympathy to them."
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