That afternoon, Craigavon Area Hospital in County Armagh said it was suffering from an outbreak of the virus, but could not afford to close beds.

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"Because we have an old hospital, with six-bedded bays, if one person has norovirus, you have to close six beds, " she said.

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Oyster beds close to shore clarified the water, which allowed marsh grasses to grow.

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Supporters also came from Suffolk where Hartismere Hospital in Eye is to close and 16 beds are to go from Aldeburgh.

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At Llanidloes, the LHB plans to cut 18 beds, close an X-ray unit, a birthing centre and outpatient services.

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The two hospitals are due to close a total of 115 beds based on advice from two companies of external consultants.

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Over the last 10 years the number of beds has been falling, leaving hospitals operating close to capacity for much of the time.

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Another 67 came with Chris Old at the other end, and by the close of the day England had to find some hotel beds.

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Yet beds in more than a third of hospitals are too close together, raising the risk of infection.

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