TWO wards at Ipswich Hospital are closed to new admissions today after a virus outbreak.

TWO wards at Ipswich Hospital are closed to new admissions today after a virus outbreak.

Norovirus, which causes sickness and diarrhoea, has affected patients in parts of the hospital since Thursday.

As a result Sproughton and Shotley wards have been closed to new admissions and visitors.

Meanwhile a four-bedded bay in both Saxmundham and Stowupland ward have been closed.

Jan Rowsell, hospital spokeswoman, said: “It is under control, but to protect patients and staff we have closed two wards to new admissions.

“Everything possible is being done to treat the patients who have got norovirus and to make sure everyone else is protected.

“We are managing extremely well. We have got extra beds open in other areas of the hospital. The staff have been fantastic.”

Peggy Chaplin, whose dad, John, 82, is in Shotley ward after suffering a stroke, said it was upsetting not to be able to visit her father.

She added: “He has lots of family - 13 children and 47 grandchildren - so he misses us when we don't visit.

“They said on Saturday it would be 24 hours but we've phoned every day since and haven't been allowed back in. It is a pain.”

Have you been affected by the norovirus at Ipswich Hospital? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.