Hospital is closed after bug outbreak

Some wards at Sandwell Hospital have been closed to visitors over an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

People were turned away from the hospital in Lyndon, West Bromwich, after it was reported that 32 patients and 13 members of staff had been struck down.

Around 15 patients on Priory Three ward have been affected and 11 staff with all cases confirmed as norovirus.

Seventeen patients and two staff on Newton Four and Priory Five wards also have symptoms.

New admissions have been closed to all three wards, with visitors banned from 12 wards.

Jo Messinger, spokeswoman for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital's Trust said: "The trust has taken the precautionary measure of stopping all visiting to adult wards for 24 hours.

"Paediatrics, maternity and the Intensive Care Unit are not affected and the situation will be reviewed on a daily basis.

"We apologise for any inconvenience that this causes but we feel that restricting visiting is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus which is prevalent in the community at this time."

The trust said restricted visiting would be allowed in exceptional circumstances.