Restrictions on Coleridge Ward, at Musgrove Park Hospital, due to norovirus

Visits to B Bay on Coleridge Ward are currently restricted to close family and friends only, the hospital's website says due to the presence of norovirus.

People are being asked to:

Use alcohol gel at the entrance on arrival;

To reduce spread of norovirus, not visit other areas in the hospital after your visit;

Follow any other instructions given to you by staff.

A Musgrove spokesman said: "Please note that alcohol gel alone is not effective against norovirus.

"If visiting a ward affected by norovirus hands should be washed with soap and water before leaving the ward.

"If you have any questions please contact the ward directly."

People should not visit Musgrove if they have had any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days.

If visiting in the hospital, you should clean your hands with the alcohol gel at the entrance to the ward or department.

Hospital bosses are asking that children under 11 do not visit Musgrove between November and March "unless absolutely necessary", other than on the children's and maternity wards as schools and nurseries are often affected by norovirus.