Visiting will reopen at a flu-hit hospital ward tonight following a temporary ban.

Restrictions were imposed at the West Cumberland Hospital last week after an influenza outbreak on Ward 4.

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust has now lifted the ban, but is reminding visitors to both the Whitehaven and Carlisle hospitals to take extra hygiene precautions to prevent bugs getting on to wards.

A similar ban was imposed at the Cumberland Infirmary recently following an outbreak of the norovirus winter vomiting bug.

That was fully lifted yesterday, while visitors will be allowed back on Ward 4 from 7pm tonight.

However bosses are reminding visitors not to be complacent, as cases of both flu and norovirus remain high across Cumbria.

Clive Graham, director of infection prevention and control, said: "Closure of wards allows the trust to contain the viruses and stop them from spreading. The measure protects not only vulnerable patients in the hospital but vulnerable visitors too."

The trust is again appealing to anyone visiting our hospitals to stay home if they or a family member has been ill in the last 48 hours.

“In response to the outbreaks, we are reminding everyone to clean their hands upon entering and exiting the hospital, patient care areas and patient rooms," added said Anna Stabler, deputy director of nursing.

“Hand washing is key to stopping the spread of bacteria and viruses.”