A WARD has reopened at a Bradford hospital after four were initially closed following an outbreak of norovirus.

The infection, also known as viral gastroenteritis, causes serious sickness and diarrhoea and is particularly dangerous to vulnerable people.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is asking hospital visitors to help keep the wards free of diarrhoea and vomiting this winter by staying away if they have any symptoms.

EDITOR'S COMMENT: Let's help to stop spread of norovirus

The Trust currently has three wards closed, two at Bradford Royal Infirmary and one at St Luke’s Hospital due to viral gastroenteritis.

Chief nurse, Karen Dawber said: “We are doing all we can internally, such as enhanced cleaning but we need the public’s help in preventing the spread of infection by following simple precautions.

“We are asking the public to reduce the spread of these infections by not coming into hospitals to visit relatives and friends when they themselves are unwell. Anyone suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea should stay away from visiting the hospital until at least 48 hours after the end of their symptoms.

“Visitors should also remember to wash their hands thoroughly when entering and leaving the hospital and to use the alcohol gel provided at ward and department entrances and exits throughout their visits. We also advise that young children are not brought into hospital to visit relatives at this time as children can be carrying the illness but we also don’t want them to be exposed to these infections.”

As the Telegraph & Argus went to press there were no cases confirmed at Airedale General Hospital but the message to help prevention of the infection was the same, including ringing the NHS helpline on 111 if you have any health concerns.

Stacey Hunter, chief operating officer, at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At the moment we have no wards closed due to norovirus, however we continue to be vigilant and have measures in place to contain the virus should it return.

“Members of the public can really help us by not visiting hospital if they have symptoms of diarrhoea and, or vomiting to avoid spreading the virus - particularly to vulnerable people.”

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