HILLINGDON Hospital is struggling to cope with an influx of patients suffering from suspected or confirmed norovirus.

The extremely infectious norovirus causes diarrhoea and/or vomiting and can spread rapidly among patients and staff, disrupting the day-to-day running of the hospital.

Four wards containing a number of patients with viral diarrhoea and vomiting have been closed.

To prevent further spread, temporary visiting restrictions have also been imposed.

A spokesman said: “This is a difficult decision to make as we are aware of the effect that restricted visiting may have on patients and their families.

“However, our priority has to be the protection and safety of our patients.

“The situation is reviewed on a daily basis and follows current guidance on managing norovirus within healthcare settings.”

People who have symptoms of diarrhoea and/ or vomiting should not visit the hospital or attend appointments until they have been free of the symptoms for 48 hours.

Key advice for people affected by is:

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before you handle food

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and return home and let the illness run its course

• Do not visit your GP surgery or local A&E unit. Norovirus infection is a self-limiting illness and you will recover naturally without treatment.

• Do not visit friends or relatives in hospital or residential care homes as there is a real risk you would introduce the infection

• People with diarrhoea and vomiting should seek medical advice if their symptoms last more than 48 hours, or if they have a pre-existing medical condition. If patients have concerns they should call their GP or 111

• Stay away from work or school until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours

• The elderly and the very young can sometimes get more severe infection or become dehydrated. If that should be the case, they or their family, friends or carers, should call their GP or NHS Direct for advice.

• Do not handle or prepare food for other people until you have been symptom-free for a minimum of 48 hours.