A HOSPITAL has been forced to close three wards to new admissions following an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea.

Thirty five patients and 17 staff have been affected at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Balcombe, Pycombe and Ardingly wards are not taking in any patients and isolated cases of the bug have been noted on Ansty, Newtimber and Horsted Keynes wards.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Strict infection control measures are in place at Princess Royal and the general public are asked for their support in helping us maintain these.

“Anyone with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should not come to hospital but should contact their GP surgery, the out of hours GP service or the 111 service for advice.

“Visitors to Princess Royal Hospital are asked to only come to the hospital if it is really necessary and to limit visiting where possible.

“Strict hand-washing and hygiene must be observed for all visitors.”

This is the first outbreak the trust,which also runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, has experienced this winter.

The county’s other main hospitals are not currently experiencing any problems.