AN NHS trust has appealed for people to avoid making non-essential visits to a hospital after an outbreak of norovirus led to a ward being closed.

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it had shut Scarborough Hospital's Oak Ward, which had an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug last year, and its Stroke Ward and bays on a further two wards, due to increased diarrhoea and sickness.

The hospital is asking people who have been unwell not to visit the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

A trust spokesman said: "This is really important because the virus is highly infectious and is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands.

"It is likely that the virus has entered the hospital via the local community and the hospital is urging visitors to think carefully before paying any non-essential visits at this time."

Visitors are advised to follow guidance, which includes always washing your hands before and after visiting, to keep the virus contained.

Patients, friends and relatives can call the hospital before visiting to find out if a particular ward is affected.

To contact the hospital, call 01723-368111.