VISITING restrictions have been put in place at hospitals in Herefordshire in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Wye Valley NHS Trust said it has taken precautionary decision to restrict visiting times in its hospitals across Herefordshire and temporarily stop public attendance at its board meetings.

The restrictions are part of the trust's infection prevention measures, aimed at lessening the chance of spreading coronavirus to both patients, visitors and other areas of the hospital.

Trust board meetings will continue to be held monthly, but the public will not be permitted to attend during this period. You can continue to submit questions prior to the meeting and details can found by visiting www.wyevalley.nhs.uk (About Us, Trust Board).

The following hospital ward visiting restrictions are in place:

Visiting hours on general wards at Hereford County Hospital, Bromyard, Leominster, and Ross Community Hospitals are now restricted to 1pm to 7pm. Only one visitor is allowed per patient (maximum of two visitors a day). Children under 16 should not visit, and those over 70 are asked to think carefully before visiting.

Only one visitor will be allowed per patient on the children’s ward, but hours are not restricted. Parents may visit the Special Care Baby Unit at any time.

Maternity, patients can have one birthing partner present on the delivery suite. The maternity ward will enable visiting of a maximum of one person at one time and up to a maximum of two per day – the hours are not restricted.

Where a patient is critically ill, these restrictions can be relaxed in order to allow family and friends time with their loved ones. This should be agreed with the nurse in charge.

People should also not visit the hospital if they have the following symptoms and should follow the latest advice from Public Health England for self-isolation:

• A fever

• A cough

• Shortness of breath

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

For advice from Public Health England visit www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#what-to-do-if-you-have-symptoms