HOSPITAL bosses in Southampton have had to shut wards after an outbreak of a serious bug.

Southampton General Hospital is tackling the spread of a diarrhoea and vomiting infection by closing several areas to new patients.

A spokesman for the hospital said: “We currently have four wards closed to new admissions due to an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Symptoms “There are 25 patients with symptoms.

“We don’t ever name the closed wards because it is clear to people on site which wards are closed to new |admissions.

“It is important to ensure hygiene standards and guidance is maintained to a set standard across the hospital and not just heightened around |specific areas.”

Last week, the E2 rehabilitation ward was closed for the same reason and the hospital said 11 patients had been affected.

Children from Ballard School in New Milton had been due to present a cheque for £6000 to the Piam Brown Ward yesterday morning, but they were warned to stay away from the |hospital because of the bug.

The hospital has issued guidance to visitors – saying they should not come to the hospital if they feel unwell or have suffered any symptoms of either sickness or diarrhoea in the last 72 hours.

They are advising anyone who visits the hospital to avoid bringing food as a gift or sitting on the beds of patients.