AN OUTBREAK at Tamworth's Sir Robert Peel Hospital closed one ward at the weekend – with officials now investigating whether the winter vomiting bug Norovirus was to blame.

Health chiefs at the Mile Oak hospital said an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting (D&V) had affected "a handful" of patients on Saturday and Sunday.

Warning notices were put up and visitors were turned away.

Dawn Llewellyn, head nurse for community hospitals at Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I can confirm that there was an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting at Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital that affected a handful of patients over the weekend.

"D&V is easily spread in closed environments and the decision was taken to close one of the wards as part of infection control measures."

She added: "At this point we can't determine if this is an outbreak of Norovirus, also known as winter sickness.

"D&V is a typical symptom of Norovirus, but we are still awaiting confirmation of the cause."

Control measures were put in place following the outbreak to prevent further infection.

Visitors to the hospital are being told they can reduce the risk of infection by ensuring that they wash their hands using hot water and soap, and the use of alcohol gel when entering and leaving clinical areas.

Anyone with symptoms of infection, such as diarrhoea, is asked not to visit.

Dawn added: "We have rigorous infection control procedures in place and ask all visitors to routinely follow our hand hygiene policy, keeping the risk of infection to an absolute minimum.

"If any member of the public has concerns they would like to discuss in detail, they can use our Patient Advice and Liaison Service."

PALS can be contacted by phone on 01283 593110 (voicemail for out of hours calls) or email pals@burtonft.nhs.uk

All wards at Sir Robert Peel are now open and functioning as normal.