A London hospital ward has reopened after closing for almost a week following an outbreak of norovirus.
Kingston Hospital bosses shut the Hamble ward on Thursday after some patients were struck down by the winter vomiting bug.
A spokeswoman confirmed the unit had reopened today following eight confirmed cases of the virus.
She said: “The ward has now reopened.
“Stricter infection control measures remain in place e.g. enhanced hand hygiene procedures, wearing gloves and aprons as well as additional cleaning. The ward is open to visitors.
“Anyone who has had diarrhoea or vomiting should not visit the hospital until they have not had any symptoms for 48 hours.”
Norovirus is one of Britain’s most common bugs and is known as the winter vomiting bug because of its prevalence in the colder months.
The virus can cause sickness, headaches, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting and typically lasts for a few days before it clears up.
Patients are advised to stay off school or work for 48 hours following a bout of norovirus because of its ability to spread easily.
Hamble ward, in the hospital’s Esher wing, has 24 beds and cares for people with respiratory illnesses.
