Visitors have been banned from all wards at Walsall’s Manor Hospital, which has been hit by a devastating outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

All wards at the hospital have been closed to family and friends in a bid to contain the spread of norovirus.

But people were today told they should still attend their outpatient appointments as normal.

Hospital bosses have asked visitors to stay away from the site in Pleck Road until further notice.

Manor chief executive Michael Scott said today: “Norovirus is a stomach bug which causes sickness and diarrhoea and is easily spread.

Infection is easiest in places where groups of people are together for a reasonable amount of time, such as hospitals.”

He asked friends or family “to stay away until we can be sure the virus is no longer spreading”.

Visitors will be allowed in under exceptional circumstances, such as to see patients in intensive care or for parents to visit the maternity ward.

Anyone who has experienced sickness and diarrhoea in the last two days but who has an upcoming outpatients appointment should reconsider their arrangements.

Family and friends who wish to contact their loved ones can call the hospital’s main switchboard on 01922 721172.