VISITORS are being asked to visit Tavistock Hospital responsibly while specialist cleaning teams deal with an outbreak of the winter sickness bug, Norovirus.

Norovirus, which causes sickness and diarrhoea, is a common virus which circulates in the community and is usually more prevalent in the winter.

Most people will recover from the bug within a few days, but for hospital patients with existing health conditions it can cause more serious problems.

Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs Tavistock Hospital, has put in place temporary visiting restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus and protect patients, staff and visitors, and enable the hospital to return to normal as soon as possible.

Natalie Illingworth, infection control specialist nurse at Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust, said: 'We know that people place great value on being able to visit loved ones in hospital but during periods when we are experiencing infection outbreaks in the community and in hospitals they can unknowingly be putting patients' health at real risk.

'Norovirus rarely requires medical treatment but for those who are already ill it can pose more danger.

'It is really important we protect our patients but in order to do this we really need visitors and members of the public to assist us by visiting responsibly.

'If you are feeling unwell, or actually have diarrhoea or vomiting, please don't come into the hospital either as a patient or visitor for at least 48 hours after the last symptoms has disappeared.

'If you become unwell whilst you are visiting then please tell someone in charge. Also, if you are due to attend an outpatient appointment then please ring the hospital and let them know.'

There is no treatment for the Norovirus infection and the vast majority of people will get better by themselves. If you are worried about being seriously ill, and particularly if you feel that you are becoming dehydrated, please do not attend an Accident and Emergency department. Instead you should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or your GP surgery for advice in the first instance.

The most effective way to avoid the infection in through good hand washing, using soap and warm water rather than special hand-gels, particularly after using the toilet and before eating and drinking anything.

This is particularly important if others in the house are unwell.

If you have any queries regarding the temporary visiting restrictions, please contact the main reception at Tavistock Hospital on 01822 612233.