Health chiefs have declared East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, free of the Norovirus.

A spokeswoman for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said today that there were no cases of the highly infectious bug, also known as winter vomiting disease, in the hospital.

The number of cases fell from 11 people ill across three wards to none in a week.

She said: “East Surrey Hospital is free from Norovirus.

“The trust thanks the community for its support in helping to stop the spread of the winter bug.”

The outbreak peaked about six weeks ago when 34 people across six wards were ill.

In December 2008 and January 2009, the norovirus hit the hospital with 50 people falling ill in the first wave, and two wards being shut to incoming patients.

In a resurgence about two weeks later, 18 more patients fell ill in four days.

Wards were deep-cleaned, staff followed strict hygiene practises and people were advised then not to visit the hospital.

This year, the trust worked with Surrey and West Sussex Primary Care Trusts to ensure patients were treated as much as possible in the community, and advised people to stay away from the hospital unless absolutely necessary, and especially if they had been unwell in the previous week.

But although the East Surrey was declared free of the norovirus this week, the warning to people to steer clear of the hospital if they felt unwell and suspected they had the bug, or had been ill in the previous week, remained in place in case of a sudden resurgence.

Health chiefs warned of this as the bug is seasonal.

It is not life-threatening, and though involving sudden projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, generally mild and usually lasts only two to three days.

People suspecting they have the virus should call their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.