THE sickness outbreak at York Hospital appears to be easing, with only one ward still closed to visitors and new patients yesterday.

Three wards - 23, 37 and 39 - were shut at the end of last week because of the stomach bug norovirus on two wards, and diarrhoea and vomiting on the other.

A hospital spokeswoman said yesterday that Ward 37 remained closed due to confirmed norovirus, but the other wards had re-opened, although bays might still remain closed.

She said the picture changed all the time and at any time a member of the public could bring the virus in.

Beverley Geary, Chief Nurse at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has urged the public to help prevent norovirus spreading by staying away if they have been unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting, until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

She said: “Closing wards can help to contain the virus but visitors can play a huge part and we would ask them to think carefully before paying any non-essential visits.”