HOSPITAL bosses have been able to contain an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea among patients.

Staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton were forced to temporarily close wards and bay areas to new admissions in the run up to Christmas after several people caught the highly contagious norovirus bug.

Wards had to undergo a deep clean and people were advised not to visit the hospital if they had developed similar symptoms.

All areas affected have now reopened and the hospital has not experienced any new cases for a few days.

However, staff are remaining vigilant and urging people to wash their hands or use the gel provided before visiting wards.

They are also asked to stay away until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

Having the wards reopen means hospital staff can discharge patients who are well enough to nursing and care homes.

This is freeing up more beds and helping ease pressures.

Norovirus can be very unpleasant but it usually clears up by itself within a few days.

People can normally look after themselves or their child at home.