SEVERAL wards are now closed to visitors after a ‘significant outbreak’ of norovirus at Furness General Hospital.

Level six of the hospital - which includes wards, six, seven, nine, the High Dependancy Unit and Coronary Care Unit - are now off limits to all visitors except those who can prove ‘extenuating circumstances’.

A spokeswoman said: “In order to try to resolve a significant outbreak of norovirus at Furness General Hospital, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has had to make the difficult decision to stop visiting to level six of the hospital.”

She added: “The trust understands that there may be extenuating circumstances where members of the public need to visit loved ones, such as if they are seriously ill.

“If this is the case, the public are asked to call ahead to the ward to arrange visiting.

“If it isn’t deemed as extenuating circumstances, they may be asked not to visit.”

All visitors to the hospital are asked to stay away if they have vomited or had diarrhoea within 72 hours of their visit, unless they need emergency treatment themselves.

Jackie Holt, executive chief nurse at UHMBT, said: “We would ask that anyone who does need to enter the hospital wash their hands with soap and water before entering ward areas.

"Alcohol gel is not effective against norovirus.”

The norovirus illness affects up to a million people in the UK each year and does not last long.

People usually recover between 12 and 60 hours later, without treatment other than rest and lots of fluids.

Anyone with concerns should call NHS Direct on 0845-4647.