RESTRICTIONS are in place on a number of wards at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, because of the winter norovirus bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Alison Wootton, acting director of patient care at Musgrove, said: “Norovirus is highly contagious but members of the public can help reduce the risk of it spreading further by following some simple steps.

“It’s really important that you don’t visit the hospital if you have had symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days to make sure your symptoms have passed.

“If visitors go to one of the restricted areas, you must use the alcohol gel at the entrance on arrival and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the ward as alcohol gel is not effective enough against norovirus.

“During this time, visiting is restricted to close family and friends only on these wards, and we ask that no children aged 11 and under visit patients unless absolutely necessary.

“Please do not visit any other area of the hospital afterwards.”

She added: “Winter is a particularly busy time for hospitals, and people are being reminded to choose well.

“You can help the hospital by using the other NHS services available where appropriate such as NHS 111, pharmacies, minor injury units and visiting your GP.

“However, if your condition is urgent or life threatening, you should still call 999.”

You can check the latest on the situation by clicking on the hospital's website.