A hospital is urging visitors and patients to wear masks due to a surge of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases.

Darent Valley Hospital, in Dartford, has reintroduced its enhanced infection prevention measures to try and stop the spread of the illnesses.

A spokesperson for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said unless medically exempt, all visitors will now be required to wear a hospital-provided surgical mask in wards and departments.

Patients will also be encouraged to wear a mask if it is possible to do so.

People have also been told to stay away if they are feeling unwell and if they are experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting, to wait at least 72 hours after their symptoms have resolved before visiting.

The trust announced the latest measures in a statement published on social media and its website on New Year’s Eve.

It added: “We kindly ask for your understanding and support as we work together to minimise the spread of these viruses.

“Please continue to use the alcohol hand rub provided to clean your hands before and after visiting a ward or department and wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet to reduce the risk of spreading infections.

“Thank you for helping us keep Darent Valley Hospital a safe environment for everyone.

“We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation to protect patients, visitors and staff.”

It is not clear how long these measures will be in place.

People who are eligible for a free flu jab are being urged to take up the offer “as soon as possible” as admissions for flu continue to rise.

In December, the number of people in hospitals across the country with flu had more than quadrupled compared with last year.