Bedford Hospital has re-opened all of its wards following an outbreak of a vomiting and diarrhoea virus.

Pilgrim Ward was re-opened on Tuesday (December 2) after a specialist team high-cleaned the ward.

In total seven wards have been closed to visitors and patient transfers after outbreaks in of norovirus in recent weeks.

The high cleaning team spent over 200 hours cleaning the affected wards, including cleaning 210 beds and bed spaces, changing and cleaning all ward and patient curtains, and cleaning all surfaces. This was in addition to regular ward and hospital cleaning.

Visiting will remain restricted across the hospital for the remainder of the week as norovirus is still prevalent in the community. It is hoped this measure will help to prevent a further outbreak.

Restricted visiting means visitors should only come in if their visit is essential, and should telephone ahead to check with ward staff about visiting arrangements.

Linda Wilding, infection control nurse, said: "All hospital wards are now open as normal, but we are keeping visiting restrictions in place for the time being to try and prevent further norovirus infection being brought into the hospital.

"Visitors can really help prevent the spread of norovirus by not coming to the hospital if they have been ill with vomiting or diarrhoea within the preceding 72 hours, and ensuring they wash their hands with soap and water when entering and leaving wards.

"Although norovirus is usually a brief and minor infection, hospital patients are particularly vulnerable as they are already unwell.

Visiting restrictions and scrupulous hand hygiene will go some way to preventing patients being exposed to norovirus.

"Visiting restrictions will be reviewed again at the end of the week. Our thanks goes to visitors for their continued support and understanding in helping prevent norovirus infection."

For more information please see the hospital's website www.bedfordhospital.nhs.uk