27 January 2012 Last updated at 10:01 ET

Norovirus 'factor' as Addenbrooke's postpones 47 operations

Operations have been postponed at a Cambridge hospital as staff deal with "intense pressure" caused partly by a rise in cases of norovirus.

A spokesman for Addenbrooke's Hospital confirmed 47 operations had been postponed "due to a number of factors" including the winter vomiting bug.

Three wards are closed because of the bug and visiting hours are restricted.

The hospital has apologised to those affected and said new appointments would be offered as soon as possible.

'Necessary steps'

Patient transfer delays and increased demand for beds had also contributed to the decision to postpone operations, the spokesman said.

"We appreciate this can be frustrating for patients and are sorry for any inconvenience it has caused.

"However, it has been necessary for us to take these steps to ensure we can continue to deliver a safe, high-quality service to those in need of urgent and emergency care," he said.

A respiratory ward and two medicine-for-the-elderly wards are closed as a result of the winter vomiting bug.

Restricted visiting hours on all adult wards remain in place and children are not allowed to visit wards unless it is "essential".

"We are managing the current cases of norovirus with the help of the public, who are following our advice to stay away if they have had sickness or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours," the spokesman said.

"We would also remind people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water to help prevent the spread of the illness."