HEREFORD County Hospital has reopened to visitors following outbreaks of the Norovirus.

A deep clean of affected areas has been carried out and all wards, with the exception of Frome ward, are now admitting visitors.

Members of the public are, however, warned that Norovirus is still prevalent in Herefordshire and anyone with symptoms of sickness or diarrhoea should not visit the hospital.

Sue Hardy, director of nursing and quality for the Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Whilst cases of Norovirus have reduced at the hospital, the virus is still very prevalent in the community.

"Staff, visitors and members of the public must not become complacent as there is still a real risk of the virus being transmitted to patients from outside. We are asking that visitors are kept to a maximum of two per patient at any one time to minimise this risk."

Closing wards to visitors was an extraordinary measure taken to protect the safety and welfare of patients. By enforcing the measure across the trust the virus was contained and cross infection prevented.

With further deep clean planned for this weekend, and subject to no new cases of the virus, it is hoped the Frome ward will be open to admissions next week.