HOSPITAL bosses have been forced to close two wards to new admissions following an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea.

Restrictions are currently in place on one ward at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and another at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

The highly infectious bug norovirus is currently in the community and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust is working to contain any further spread at its hospitals.

People are being asked not to visit any of the trust’s hospitals if they have been suffering from the virus.

Visitors should wait until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours before attempting to come in.

The hospital trust is also asking visitors to use the hand gels provided before entering and leaving a ward.

Closing wards to new admissions puts extra pressure on hospitals as they approach their busiest time of the years.

It means fewer beds are available and this can lead to delays in accident and emergency departments and potentially cancelled operations.

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.

Patients are advised to try to avoid going to their GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily.

Call your GP or NHS 111 or visit nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus for more information.