Those suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting urged to keep away from Colchester Hospital after norovirus bug reported

People who have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting are being urged to keep away from Colchester Hospital after some cases of norovirus have been confirmed there.

In the last week health professionals have confirmed some cases have been reported, and have warned those who have suffered the symptoms not to come into hospital to help prevent it from spreading.

Dr Hasan Chowhan, chairman of North east Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Sickness bugs are very common at this time of year but they can usually be treated effectively at home with plenty of rest.

“A&E is not the right place to go if you have sickness and diarrhoea as it needs to be kept free for those people who need emergency, life-saving treatment.

“At the moment, our colleagues at Colchester Hospital are reporting that there are people who are going to A&E or other hospital departments with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms.

“This is having a negative impact on the services they are able to provide to those individuals needing life-saving treatment.”

People experiencing it are being urged to wash hands regularly, keep toilets clean, wash clothes that may be contaminated and clean surfaces.

The CCG is also urging people not to use A&E unless they have a genuine accident or emergency such as broken bones, heavy blood loss, chest pains or unconsciousness.

Those with non-emergency conditions should contact 111, which is available 24 hours a day seven days a week.