AN in-patient ward at a Powys hospital has been closed due to an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

The Graham Davies ward at Llanidloes Hospital is closed to new patients and all visitors.

Powys teaching Health Board, which operates the hospital, announced the closure on Wednesday morning, October 31.

It said the ward will remain closed until all patients are clear of any symptoms.

Existing patients have remained on the ward and are being treated as an isolated group.

Other services at the hospital, including the day hospital, remain open.

Hospital spokesman Tin Wheeler said: "The public are reminded that anyone with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should stay at home while they are unwell and for 48 hours afterwards to avoid spreading illness to other people.

"It is particularly important that people who are unwell keep away from patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities as they may be at increased risk of contracting gastroenteritis. If they do contract it they may experience more severe symptoms and it may exacerbate their other health problems.

"It is equally important that, if patients being admitted to hospital, or their household contacts, have been suffering from gastroenteritis within the last 48 hours, they should inform the admitting doctor."