NURSING staff at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust are calling on people in West Devon to help keep the 'winter vomiting bug' out of Derriford Hospital.

The bug, otherwise known as Norovirus, is highly contagious and causes sickness and diarrhoea and is particularly prevalent in the community at this time of year.

Karen Grimshaw, director of nursing and midwifery for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said: 'We would usually encourage friends and family to visit their relatives whilst in hospital, to cheer their day and give some company. However, we need to protect our patients. 

'If you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms of Norovirus, whether in the family, at school or work – you could be bringing this virus into the hospital, so please stay away until it is clear that you have not picked up this bug. Your help with keeping this unpleasant virus out of the hospital is greatly appreciated.'