People suffering from sickness and diarrhoea are being asked to make sure they avoid seeing family or friends in hospital, and reschedule their own medical appointments, to avoid spreading infections to others.

The plea has come from Chief Nursing Officers at Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trusts as they work with local communities to minimise the risks to patients at a time of year when many winter bugs are circulating.

Norovirus, often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is easily transmissible and cases result in wards and bed bays being closed, which places additional pressure on the NHS and its teams at an already busy time.

Lisa Carroll and Debra Hickman, Chief Nursing Officers at Walsall and Wolverhampton respectively, said: “We have just introduced extended visiting hours across New Cross and Walsall Manor Hospitals which we’re pleased to do in response to our patients, families and carers’ requests.

“So, the last thing we want to have to do is introduce restrictions because of rising cases of norovirus and other infections.

“This is why we’re urging people to play their part in helping us to protect patients, their visitors and our own staff caring round the clock for those who need them.

“Anyone who has sickness and diarrhoea – or has experienced these symptoms in the last 48 hours – is being asked to notify us that they will not be attending their appointment and keep away from our hospitals.

“The best advice is for them to look after themselves at home until they are completely well again.”

They added: “Norovirus is an unpleasant bug that will lay most people low for a couple of days, but for those who have additional health conditions it can cause more serious issues.

“It is very easily spread from person to person, especially in places where groups of people are together for periods of time or where there are people more susceptible to infection due to being ill, or with weakened immunity.

“We’re also asking people to make sure they wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, and not just rely on hand gel when coming into our hospitals. This is to help us further reduce the risk of spreading this.”

People with norovirus need to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Anyone worried about symptoms, or sees their symptoms persist, should contact their Pharmacy, GP or NHS 111 online.