Visiting at hospital in Sunderland and South Tyneside has been suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust announced that from today, all visiting would be stopped across their hospitals to “protect patients and staff".
The trust manages South Tyneside District Hospital, Sunderland Royal Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
In a statement on their website, the trust said: “From Tuesday 24 March, the Trust has taken the decision to suspend all visiting until further notice in order to protect our patients and staff.
“Patients will be asked to attend hospital alone for any urgent treatment.
“All visitors MUST wash their hands thoroughly as they enter and leave the wards or departments. All visitors MUST wear PPE (personal protective equipment) if asked to do so by our staff.”
Visiting will only be permitted in particular circumstances including having one birthing partner only during labour.
Parents only can also attend the neonatal unit with no time restrictions and only one parent or carer per child at all appointments.
This includes urgent and emergency care or when visiting children which also has no time restrictions.
The trust added: “We recognise there will be exceptional circumstances for patients who are receiving end-of-life care and families should talk to the ward manager.”
