Hospital restricts visitors due to norovirus cases

Visitor restrictions are being imposed at a hospital where there has been a rise in norovirus cases.

Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth said only one designated visitor would be allowed for a one‑hour slot each day on affected wards.

Patients attending outpatient or emergency appointments are being urged to come alone where possible.

The hospital said compassionate exceptions would be made, but anyone with symptoms should stay away for 48 hours after they stop.

The affected wards are E3, C2, G1 and G3.

The hospital said restrictions would not apply to paediatric, maternity or end-of-life patients.

Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious diarrhoea and vomiting in England and Wales, according to the NHS.

It can be transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, and people usually recover fully within two to three days.

The hospital said: "Please do not visit someone in the hospital if you are experiencing symptoms of norovirus - wait until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours."