A WARD in a Kent hospital has been closed to new admissions after an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea.

Boxley ward at Maidstone Hospital was shut down on Tuesday after two of the 16 patients there were confirmed to have the Norovirus, a winter vomiting bug.

The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which has recently been at the centre of a superbug scandal in which 90 patients with the C-diff bug died, has brought in strict infection control measures and urged visitors to keep hygiene in mind.

Gail Locock, the trust’s infection control lead nurse, said: “Staff took immediate action to contain the virus, closing the ward to new admissions and notifying the infection control team.

"Unfortunately, this virus is quite common, especially at this time of year and it causes illness in the community, in nursing homes and schools.

“Everyone can help play a part in infection control. Hospital visitors can help by not visiting the hospital unless absolutely necessary at this time, and by cleaning their hands on entering and leaving wards if they do come.”

Visitors are being asked to ensure they clean their hands at all times when entering and leaving wards using hand gels and soap and water.

They are also being requested not to visit loved ones if they feel unwell themselves, not to sit on patient beds and to ask staff for advice if they are unsure of hygiene procedures.