Romford hospital closes wards as norovirus strikes

Four hospital wards have been closed after a suspected outbreak of norovirus.

The virus, which can cause headaches, stomach cramps and aching limbs, has led to the closure of three wards at Queen’s Hospital, in Rom Valley Way, Romford.

A ward at King George Hospital, in Goodmayes, has also closed.

A spokesman for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Norovirus has been affecting hospitals across the country, and the trust is working hard to prevent it spreading further.

“Visitors are asked not to come to the hospitals if they are currently suffering from diarrhoea and/or vomiting, or have experienced any symptoms within 48 hours.

“We remind anyone at our hospitals to wash their hands when entering or leaving a ward, and that children under the age of 12 should be discouraged from visiting patients at all during outbreaks except under extreme circumstances.”