Visiting restrictions on the last ward affected by norovirus at Walsall Manor Hospital have been relaxed today.

People visiting patients on ward four will now be allowed in for one hour a day.

Only next of kin will be able to visit and no children will be allowed on to the ward, where 11 people are suffering from the bug.

Hospital chiefs said the decision had been taken because of the length of time the restrictions had been in place.

All 28 wards at the Moat Road hospital were closed to visitors for more than a week following an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug on February 8. Anyone planning to visit should call 01922 721172. More meetings on visiting hours will take place.

Medical director Amir Khan said: “Sick people are more susceptible to picking up infections and following this outbreak I would like to remind everyone of their responsibility to clean or wash their hands thoroughly when visiting a friend or relative.”