PRINCESS Royal University Hospital is recovering after being brought to its knees by a major norovirus outbreak.

The South London Healthcare NHS Trust shut down many of the services at the hospital last week to try and contain the spread of the winter vomiting bug.

Wards were closed, no inpatient admissions were permitted and planned surgery was cancelled.

And the accident and emergency department had to be closed for around 24 hours.

Before the accident and emergency department was re-opened on Friday afternoon, News Shopper had received reports of security guards standing outside locked doors at the hospital, blocking any attempts to enter the building.

Outpatients’ services have not been affected by the incident and urgent surgical operations have been taking place.

A spokesman for the Trust says they hope to get all services at the hospital back to normal as soon as possible.

He said: “Following the implementation of strict infection control procedures in the past few days the Trust is now moving towards a situation where it is expected to be able re-open remaining closed wards and bays in the coming days.

“Those areas which have been free of norovirus for 72 hours are deep cleaned so they can reopen for patients.”

Non-urgent surgery was expected to be back to normal by yesterday (February 23).

But all patient visiting is still suspended, except for parents visiting children, partners accompanying expectant mothers and close relatives of critically and terminally ill patients.

The Trust spokesman added: “Norovirus spreads very easily and it is still possible to infect others for 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.

“It is important to drink plenty of fluids, stay away from family and friends, stay away from work or school until free from symptoms for 72 hours.

“Wash hands frequently and very thoroughly with soap and water, and do not prepare food until at least 48 hours until after the symptoms have gone.”

Anyone with severe or persistent diarrhoea and vomiting should call their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

For updates on the situation visit slh.nhs.uk