VISITING hours have been restricted at Basingstoke hospital following an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Visitors are only allowed into the hospital, in Aldermaston Road, for one hour between 6pm and 7pm to help prevent the spread of infection.

Those who have had diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours are asked to protect patients by not visiting at all.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke hospital, said that seasonal diarrhoea and vomiting (D&V) is widespread in the community which is putting additional pressure on hospitals across England.

Dr Kordo Saeed, director of infection prevention and control for the trust, said: "If you have D&V symptoms it is best to stay away from GP waiting rooms and the Emergency Department if possible to prevent spreading the bug.

"Unless you need emergency medical help, it is best to stay at home, rest and keep sipping water to stay hydrated. If you have been ill with diarrhoea or vomiting, please don't visit the hospital for at least 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea to help avoid spreading the infection to others.

"To help prevent the spread of infection, we have restricted visiting times at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital to one hour between 6pm and 7pm.

"Call NHS 111 if you need medical advice, while washing your hands with soap and water is the best defence against infection. Gels alone are not effective against norovirus."