POORLY people are being urged not to bring their bugs to hospital.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is appealing to the public to help limit and prevent the spread of viral infections like gastroenteritis, otherwise known as norovirus, and respiratory infections like the flu to hospital patients.

Julie Smith, director of nursing and quality, said: “We are asking that if anybody was planning on visiting a patient in hospital, and that they themselves feel unwell or have experienced diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting over past 48 hours, that they postpone their visit.

“Patients who are in hospital tend to be ill already and have lower immune systems, meaning that they may be more vulnerable to picking up such viruses.

“If you are feeling unwell, we would suggest phoning the ward to check on relatives rather than risk passing on infections by visiting in person. "We are happy for patients to make and receive calls on their mobile telephones in day rooms, and staff can facilitate a bedside telephone call for those whose mobility is limited.

“The trust has stringent hygiene measures in place and a rigorous cleaning schedule. "Visitors are asked to remember to wash their hands when coming onto or leaving a ward area, and to use the hand gels provided at the entrance and exit to all patient areas.

“The comfort and care of our patients remains our top priority, and we will continue to do everything possible to protect our patients from these winter viruses.”