Around 40 beds are out of action at Ipswich Hospital due to the outbreak of a “nasty” stomach bug.
The eruption of norovirus is set to add pressure on the hospital, which is already being stretched by the severe weather conditions.
Chief executive Nick Hulme has urged people to stay away from the hospital unless absolutely necessary, especially if they have felt unwell in the last week.
He said: “We’ve got about 40 beds closed at the moment with norovirus, which is a problem, so again please be aware of that if you are coming into the hospital and make sure you take reasonable precautions like washing your hands, but again unless you need to come into the hospital don’t come in because it’s a horrible infection to get.
“It’s not serious in terms of life-threatening or anything, but it is a horrible virus, it’s nasty.”
Norovirus is a common stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Staff from any ward or department that has been affected will be asking potential visitors not to attend.
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