The RUH in Bath is appealing to the public to keep the hospital norovirus-free after it was found that the winter vomiting bug had arrived earlier than predicted.

It has warned that an outbreak of norovirus can have an impact on the hospital and that containing the virus is vitally important to stop it spreading.

Visitors who believe they have the norovirus should refrain from visiting the hospital as it could risk the health of a loved one as well vother patients .

Norovirus can be characterised by vomiting and diarrhoea with other symptoms including a raised temperature, headaches, painful stomach cramps, and/or aching limbs.