THERE are signs that the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals may be regaining control over a sickness bug that has had serious effects on normal patient care.

As the Daily Echo reported last week, the norovirus sweeping the community has spread into the trust, where it has caused ward closures, the cancellation of operations, and delays in discharging elderly patients.

But no operations have been cancelled since the weekend and yesterday staff were preparing to reopen two out of three wards closed because of the illness.

A spokeswoman told the Daily Echo that cleaning had started on wards 22 and 23 at Bournemouth and both were expected to reopen within the following 24 hours, leaving only ward K at Christchurch still affected.

The highly contagious bug causes sudden diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Symptoms can also include headaches, aching limbs and a raised temperature, and can last between 12 and 60 hours - although those affected can remain infectious for up to two days after the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea.

A spokesperson for the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Foundation Trust said: "The safety of our patients is paramount and we will open closed wards as soon as it is safe to do so. The cooperation of members of the public over the past few days is appreciated."

She said visitors were asked to visit only if it is essential; to wash their hands with soap and water before going on to a ward, or at least use the hand gel provided.

And she pleaded: "Do not visit hospital at all if you, or any members of your household, have had any kind of sickness and/or diarrhoea in the past 48 hours."

Normally healthy people do not need to visit their doctor if they have the virus, and are advised to rest and drink plenty of water.