WINCHESTER hospital appears to be over the worst of the Norovirus outbreak.

Around 25 patients on six wards at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital are still displaying symptoms including five suspected new cases yesterday. That is down on the peak of about 60 patients suffering sickness and diarrhoea on Wednesday.

Maternity, paediatrics and the Treatment Centre have avoided any problems so far.

But visitors on the main inpatient wards are still being asked to stay away until further notice.

Meanwhile a major cleaning operation is taking place to minimise risks of a reinfection.