St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are reintroducing visiting restrictions from today.
The Trust, which runs Whiston, St Helens and Newton hospitals had been piloting a new visiting system for a small number of visitors.
But today they announced they are reintroducing full restrictions on all wards in response to the rise in Covid infections.
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The Trust said visiting will still be able to take place in exceptional circumstances, such as for patients who are receiving end of life care and those with additional needs.
And it will also remain in place for pregnant women with a support partner able to attend appointments, during labour and limited post-natal visiting.
Sue Redfern, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Governance said: "Like other hospitals in the Cheshire and Merseyside region we have taken the difficult decision to reintroduce visiting restrictions across all our hospitals.
"As the rate of Covid-19 infection rises in our communities we are admitting increasing numbers of patients who require care for the virus and we feel it is the right course of action at this time.
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"We appreciate the disappointment and frustration this may cause, however the health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, communities and staff remain our absolute priority.
"I would like to thank everyone across our communities for their continued support and understanding at this challenging time."
Visiting will only be permitted in the following circumstances:
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A maximum of two visitors for patients at the end of their life
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One partner accompanying a woman in labour, antenatal appointments and limited post-natal visiting. COVID tests must be undertaken on each attendance
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One parent or appropriate adult visiting a child. This also includes the Special Care Baby Unit
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One carer that is supporting someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism or other similar complex conditions, where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
