Hospital ward visiting suspended due to norovirus

The suspension is in place for visitors on ward six and eight

Visiting on two hospital wards has been suspended due to a "significant increase" in norovirus cases, Manx Care has said.

On Saturday ward six at Noble's Hospital was closed to visitors, with visits on ward eight also suspended three days later until further notice.

Norovirus is a highly contagious winter vomiting bug that also leads to diarrhoea, with anyone showing symptoms asked to stay away from others for at least 48 hours once they subside.

Manx Care has encouraged relatives of patients to contact the ward during visiting hours to receive updates from staff on family members.

The healthcare provider said an update would be provided when the situation changes.

The Isle of Man's public health directorate recently issued guidance to slow down the transmission of winter illnesses and reduce pressures on the health service.