Health bosses hope that one of two wards that remain closed at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, will open later this week.

Four wards were forced to close after an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

The closure of Bader Ward and Ward C4 - both medical wards for the elderly - means a number of beds are still unavailable for emergency admissions.

A spokeswoman said hospital visitors are restricted to two per patient, with a ban on children under 12 visiting.

Orthopaedic surgery also had to be cancelled due to the outbreak.

Genuine emergency

She said one of the wards is being “thoroughly cleaned” in preparation for it to reopen in the next few days.

The spokeswoman added that people should only present themselves at the accident and emergency unit in a genuine emergency in order to prevent any further contamination.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust has reopened Ward C2 and Cornwell Ward which were closed as a result of the outbreak which has affected more than 20 patients and five members of staff.

People with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting only should ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or contact their GP.