Five wards have been closed at a Plymouth hospital because of an infectious sickness bug.

The closures at the Derriford Hospital have been caused by the Norwalk virus, a bug which causes sickness and diahorrea for around 48 hours.

One of the closed wards is to be 'deep cleaned' today using a bleaching and steaming process, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The wards remain closed to new admissions to stop the virus spreading further.

The hospital has postponed some non-urgent operations because of the virus.

Outpatient appointments are running as usual.

The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has also been affected by the Norwalk virus but all its wards remain open, a spokesman said.

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