Lisa Dunn, hospital director, said: “There are two wards closed to new admissions and visitors at Good Hope Hospital, wards 9 and 26. As there are currently cases of sickness and diarrhoea, also known as norovirus, within the community, and as a precautionary measure to protect patients, Good Hope Hospital is not admitting patients to these wards.

“Visiting restrictions for ward 9 have now been lifted, allowing two visitors per day between 2.30 – 3.30pm. Ward 26 remains closed and under review. Restrictions across the rest of the Hospital have been put in place for two visitors per day for one hour at a time. Please call ahead to the ward you plan to visit before visiting to be informed of timeslots – these will be reviewed every 48 hours.

“Visiting exemptions remain for special circumstances; relatives will be informed and issued with exemption cards. In all other cases, patients are asked to speak to their relatives and friends by calling the switchboard on 0121 4242000 and requesting to be put through to the ward manager. There are phones available at each bedside and there is a facility on the television to receive and send emails.

“There are no affected wards at Heartlands or Solihull Hospital.  Anyone proposing to visit someone in Good Hope is asked to check the Hospital’s website www.heartofengland.nhs.uk for any further visiting updates.”