Blenheim's Wairau Hospital re-opens medical ward

Blenheim's Wairau Hospital has re-opened its medical ward as staff struck down by vomiting and diarrhoea over the last fortnight return to work.

Last week, 27 staff and five patients were hit by a gastro-intestinal virus that forced the closure of the medical ward and rehabilitation ward for new admissions.

Elective surgery was restricted to ensure there were sufficient beds for acute admissions.

Wairau Hospital operations manager Sue Morris said the medical ward had been re-opened for acute admissions on Friday, and full elective surgery would resume today.

The assessment treatment and rehabilitation unit was expected to open this week, she said.