A THIRD ward has been closed at the Royal Bolton Hospital following an outbreak of a winter virus.

Last week, two wards and a smaller unit were closed because of a similar illness after eight patients and four members of staff on a cardiology ward were struck down with the Norwalk virus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

Those wards have now re-opened, but the unit is still closed, although it is expected to be open tomorrow.

However, staff have now been forced to close a third ward to new admissions after nine patients and seven members of staff were affected with a mixture of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Hospital bosses believe it is the Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting disease, but they are awaiting the results of tests for confirmation.

Heather Edwards, head of communications at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "We would ask members of the public to assist by observing our strict hand hygiene rules and by not visiting the hospital if they have recently had symptoms."

Last week, Alderbank Care Home, between Farnworth and Kearsley was closed to new admissions because of the virus, but it is now fully open.

Bolton's infection control specialist, Graham Munslow, is now urging people to make sure they thoroughly and regularly wash their hands in a bid to halt to spread of infection.

He said: "Germs live for quite a white on the skin, but can be removed by hand washing. The key is to wash with soap and water for as least 25 seconds - that's as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday' twice.

"Then rinse and dry well. You need to wash after going to the loo or changing a nappy, and before and after handling food."

Hand hygiene is one of the best ways of reducing the spread of bugs like Norovirus and rotavirus, which causes the diarrhoea and vomiting, seasonal flu and resistant bacteria like MRSA.

Mr Munslow said: "Getting into good hand-washing habits now will also stand us in good stead if and when a flu pandemic strikes."

Other useful tips include:

- Use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, and dispose of the carefully.

- When visiting hospital use alcohol hand-rubs where these are provided.

- Do not visit friends or relatives in hospitals or nursing homes if you have an infection or if you have had any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours.

- Do not return to school or nursery after a stomach upset until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.

- Do not forget to wash the back of your hands and between your fingers.