THE sickness outbreak at York Hospital appears to be easing, with only one ward still closed to visitors and new patients.

Three wards - 23, 37 and 39 - were shut at the end of last week, the first two because of the stomach bug norovirus and the other because of diarrhoea and vomiting.

A hospital spokeswoman said today that Ward 37 remained closed due to confirmed norovirus, but the other wards had re-opened, although bays might still remain closed.

She said the picture changed all the time, and might be different after the infection prevention team made their rounds.

"However, at any time a member of the public could bring the virus in as a patient or visitor and it all changes again as it is airborne and such an infectious virus," she said.

Beverley Geary, Chief Nurse at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, urged the public last week to play their part in preventing the spread of norovirus.

She said: “Closing wards can help to contain the virus but visitors can play a huge part and we would ask them to think carefully before paying any non-essential visits at this time.

“We are urging people who have been unwell with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting not to visit the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. We are also asking people to stay at home if they have been in contact with a household member who has been symptomatic as the virus can also be passed on through this contact.

“This is really important because the virus is highly infectious and can be brought into the hospital by family, friends or relatives. She said the virus was easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands.