Health chiefs were today forced to introduce a temporary ward closure after patients were struck down with norovirus - the winter vomiting bug.

Eight patients in St Helier’s ward B6 - which cares for respiratory problems - were diagnosed with the diarrhoea and vomiting bug.

Four of them have been isolated in single rooms and the remainder are being treated in a separate bay.

Visitors are still allowed to attend the ward until further notice, however they are being asked not to visit if suffering from winter viral infections.

A St Helier spokeswoman said the affected patients were all middle aged adults and older.

She said: “We can confirm that ward B6 at St Helier Hospital is temporarily closed to new admissions as result of norovirus.

“Closing the ward to new admissions will help to limit the spread of the virus and keeps new infections to an absolute minimum.”

The spokeswoman said norovirus was very infectious and could be brought into hospital by patients and their visitors.

Dr Jonathan Kwan, the Trust's Medical Director, said: “There is no particular treatment for norovirus so the public can help limit the spread by staying away from hospitals if they are unwell so that they don't introduce the illness to our patients.

“Because norovirus spreads so easily, those with diarrhoea and vomiting should remain at home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.”