Hereford County Hospital wards have reopened following the recent outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Wye Valley NHS Trust said the illness, which affected in-patient areas at the hospital, was a result of high levels of viral gastroenteritis in the community.

All wards at County Hospital and the Hillside Intermediate Care Centre are now open to visitors - with the exception of Wye Ward at the County Hospital which should be open by tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.

A spokesman for the trust said: "We would like to thank all patients and visitors for their understanding during this period and to emphasise that these restrictions were put in place to protect our patients.

"Experience has shown that restricting visiting can lessen the chance of spread to both patients and visitors and other areas of the hospital."

Anyone with symptoms of diarrhoea and or vomiting is advised to stay at home and drink plenty of water.

Good hand hygiene can limit the spread of infection - If illness continues for more than 48 hours, residents should call their GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for further advice.