Welshpool Hospital has closed its Maldwyn Ward to new admissions due to a number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.

The Minor Injury Service is also temporarily closed overnight, from 7pm to 7am.

A statement from the Powys Health Teaching Health Board said: "Unfortunately due to a number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, we have taken the decision to temporarily close Maldwyn Ward at Welshpool Hospital to new admissions. Our first priority is to our patients, so we are taking a number of steps to prevent any further spread. This includes asking people only to visit our hospitals if absolutely necessary – for example, if there is a clinical need for the visit, or for patients receiving end of life care. If in doubt, please contact the ward before travelling.

A range of stomach bugs can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. They can be very unpleasant but the symptoms normally pass in a few days. More information about diarrhoea and vomiting is available from the NHS Direct Wales website at www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/v/article/VomitinginAdults and telephone advice and information is available from NHS 111 Wales by dialling 111.

"We regret that this also means that the Minor Injury Service at Welshpool Hospital is temporarily closed overnight (7pm to 7am). This is because the overnight service is provided by the Maldwyn Ward nursing team, and it is vital that we reduce the risk of cross-infection. For advice about minor injuries overnight please contact NHS 111 by dialling 111 for free health information and advice when it is urgent but not life-threatening. Alternative overnight services are available from the A&E departments at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Maelor Hospital in Wrexham, County Hospital in Hereford and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience, and the service will resume once the cases of diarrhoea and vomiting on the ward have cleared.

"Please do not visit hospitals or care homes if you, or the people you live with, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms within the last 48 hours. These bugs can be highly contagious, so we are grateful for your help to keep patients free from infection. If you are unsure whether to visit please feel free to contact the ward before you come into hospital."