Those planning to visit Ipswich Hospital are being urged to think of their own safety when travelling to and from the Heath Road site as the snowy weather continues.

Those planning to visit Ipswich Hospital are being urged to think of their own safety when travelling to and from the Heath Road site as the snowy weather continues.

Gwen Collins, the hospital's director of Nursing and Quality said: “We know how important it is for patients in hospital to have visitors, but during this really cold spell, we are asking all visitors to put their own safety first and not come to the hospital.

“The hospital is very busy with people in need of urgent care. We currently have two wards closed to new admissions because of the winter sickness bug (Norovirus) and as well as thinking of visitors' own safety, we are also trying to protect patients and staff from any further infections.

“Reducing the number of people on the hospital site, will help us do this.”

Visitors to maternity, critical care, children's services, Somersham Ward (cancer centre) and the emergency assessment units will be welcome at the hospital.

Visitors to all other wards are being asked not to come to the hospital.

Any visitor who feels unwell themselves should not come to the hospital.

Anyone coming into the hospital will be asked to wash their hands with soap and water before entering any clinical area.

Essential visitors are being asked to park in Car Park F - which is the main out patients car park (directly in front of the main roundabout as you come on to the hospital site).

Staff and volunteers will be in reception areas to personally explain why the hospital is closing to visitors for the coming days.