Epsom Hospital issue a warning in the Epsom Guardian as staff battle the outbreak.
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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.
Those without symptoms are also being asked to keep visiting to a minimum and to avoid bringing 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.
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