HOSPITALS in East Lancashire have so far escaped the chaos caused in other areas of the UK by winter sickness bugs, bosses said.

The Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital first experienced cases of norovirus, a strain of stomach bug which spreads quickly in hospitals, nursing homes and cruise ships, in December.

It has brought chaos to hospitals in London this week, but Lynn Wissett, director of clinical care and governance at the trust, said the virus had been well-controlled here.

She said: "East Lancashire Hospitals is currently experiencing a small number of cases of the norovirus.

"The affected areas are under strict controls and conditions to avoid the spread of the virus.

"We would like to thank the general public in supporting us with hand hygiene on entering and exiting the wards and staying away whilst ill. This has helped us contain episodes of norovirus successfully.

"However, norovirus is likely to be around for a few more weeks and we would urge the general public to continue these efforts in helping us by washing hands or using the alcohol gel on entrance and exit of wards and not visiting whilst they have symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting until 48 hours after symptoms have settled."

Four wards at Royal Preston Hospital, on ward at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and one at Chorley Hospital have been closed until further notice.