A number of staff at the hospital also have also been struck down with the

illness.

The outbreak began at the end of last week, with patients and staff suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea which lasts for a number of days.

Health Service Manager Eric Ford said that the hospital is in a state of

lock down, with only essential people

coming in and out of the hospital.

Mr Ford said the hospital is keeping people at the hospital as little as possible to avoid catching the illness, and that visitors of patients are being kept away at this point to avoid spreading the illness.

Mr Ford said that members of the Oberon community also are suffering from the illness, and that the best way for residents to avoid catching or spreading the illness is to practise good hand washing and good hygiene.