AN OUTBREAK of the sickness and diarrhoea bug C diff has closed a ward at Medway Maritime Hosptial.

McCullock Ward at the hospital in Gillingham has been shut after four patients contracted the potentially deadly bug.

A spokesman for the infection control team at the hospital said: "McCulloch Ward has been closed to admissions due to an increased incidence of C-diff. Full outbreak control measures have been put into action.

“The situation is being closely monitored and the ward is likely to re-open following a full cleaning operation. One patient with Cdiff is currently on the ward in isolation.

“Visitors, staff and patients are reminded of the importance of observing good hand hygiene, at the hospital, in the community and at home.”

* C diff stands for Clostridium Difficile. It is an infection which can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting and is particularly common in the winter.