To protect patients, staff and the community, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals are stopping patient visiting from today. This follows the latest Government Covid-19 advice restricting social contact and unnecessary travel.

The decision comes after earlier restrictions imposed on 18 March by the hospitals which limited visiting to one hour a day.

Families and friends of patients are now asked not to visit hospital other than by arrangement. Visits will be permitted in exceptional circumstances on an individual basis which will be agreed with the nurse in charge of the ward.

Separate arrangements will apply to the following areas:

• Maternity and women in labour – one birthing partner per patient
• Child inpatients – one carer per child

Chief Executive Trish Armstrong-Child said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but it is in line with the Government’s instructions on Tuesday to minimise social contact during the current situation.

“Please consider other ways of speaking with your loved ones, such as by phone or video calling.”

The Trust is also exploring other opportunities to support inpatients and families keep in touch.