New visiting rules have been announced for the Western General Hospital by the concerned authorities because of the outbreak of a vomiting virus in the hospital.

This attempt has been made to save the patients as well as their visitors from being affected by the virus.

According to the new rules, only two visitors will be allowed to visit the patients at the hospital in Weston-super-Mare and that too between 18.30 and 19.30. Also, prior making entry in the hospital and the concerned ward, visitors must clean their hands by either washing them or applying an antibacterial gel, same action will be repeated when the visitors leave the ward to prevent spreading the virus outside. Along with above, it is mandatory that the visitors put on a plastic apron for the duration of their visit.

Mainly four wards in the hospital have been affected by the vomiting bug thus the hospital authorities have strictly placed the restrictions especially for these ones. Though in some extraordinary circumstances the restrictions can be molded, but the hospital said that authorization by the ward sister or chief nurse will be must in those cases.

Chris Bryant, Director of Hospital Services at Weston Area Health NHS Trust, said: "Hospital wards are never closed, but it makes sense to restrict new admissions or limit visiting to minimize the risk of spreading, as we are doing at present."