POORLY relatives should avoid visiting their loved ones in hospital, a GWH chief has warned.

It comes after a string of norovirus cases at the Marlborough Road hospital.

Nerissa Vaughan, chief executive of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust told a meeting of hospital directors on Thursday: “I have seen more norovirus in this year than in previous years.”

The infectious bug causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can pose a major risk for hospitals.

Last month, doctors were forced to isolate three beds on Teal Ward after following a Norovirus scare. It is believed that a visiting relative brought the bug onto the ward.

Health experts say that you should wait at least 48 hours until the symptoms have passed before visiting hospitals, care homes or returning to work.

Public Health England’s Fiona Neely said: “If you have any suspicion that you have the symptoms of norovirus we would urge you to put off that visit to see a loved one in a care home or hospital.”