People are being urged to stay away from Epsom Hospital as staff battle an outbreak of the Norovirus winter vomiting bug which is affecting a third of its beds.

Twenty nine patients have contracted the virus, with 75 beds out of 243 affected as beds close to a victim cannot be used because it is so infectious.

With the hospital facing ‘significant’ pressure a senior nurse has warned people to stay away from the hospital unless absolutely necessary to help combat the infectious stomach illness that can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting.

Those suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting are being asked not to come into hospital for routine outpatient appointments and to call their appointment number instead to reschedule.

Those with symptoms who need to attend A&E are being asked to contact their GP before attending, unless it is an emergency and those with urgent appointments, such as in cancer clinics, should call the appointment number for advice.

The trust’s director of nursing and lead for infection control and prevention, Pippa Hart, said: "Because the virus is so contagious, patients in close proximity to someone with the illness are at a high risk of catching it.

"As we try to isolate those with symptoms, it makes admitting patients to our hospitals much more difficult, and can, ultimately, mean that we have beds empty which we can’t use.

"This obviously puts significant strains on the hospital.

"There is no particular treatment for Norovirus so the public can help limit the spread by staying away from hospitals and offices if they are unwell, as well as keeping poorly children off school so that they don't spread the illness."

Those without symptoms are also being asked to keep visiting to a minimum and to avoid bring children into the hospital.

The symptoms of a Norovirus usually start between 24 and 48 hours after the initial infection but can start after as little as 12 hours, say experts.

The first symptom is usually a sudden onset of nausea, followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

Some people may also have a mild fever, headaches, stomach cramps, or aching limbs.

The hospital warned anyone suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting not to:
• Come to hospital for a routine appointment - instead, call the number on your appointment letter to reschedule it
• Visit patients at Epsom Hospital - you risk spreading the illness to those who do not have it
• Attend A&E (accident and emergency) unless it is a genuine emergency - speak to your GP first if possible.

Have you been affected call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6346 or email lmay@london.newsquest.co.uk