Workers at Staffordshire General Hospital have spent the weekend battling a winter vomiting bug which has so far affected more than 40 people.

They say the bout of viral gastroenteritis has spread to 49 patients, and at least 43 staff have also fallen ill.

The hospital says measures have been taken to confine patients effected by the bug to restricted areas, but the bug has resulted in 69 beds going out of commission.

The infection control team have been meeting on a daily basis since last Thursday when the outbreak was at it's worst.

'Admissions closed'

Waiting lists have been closely examined to make sure urgent cases are dealt with, but some elective surgery has had to be cancelled.

Hospital spokeswoman Norma Sadler said: "The bug has spread over nine wards.

"Some beds are obviously closed to admissions so in areas where it is clear of the bug, we are bringing in emergencies but elective surgery has had to be cancelled."

She added that the bug was now being brought under control.

Doctors say the symptoms of the vomiting and diarrhoea generally last up to two days, and visitors are being advised to wash their hands and use alcohol gel rub when leaving the wards.