Visitor ban at North Tyneside General Hospital

Visitors have been banned from inpatient wards at North Tyneside General Hospital after "increased instances" of flu.

This came into force earlier today and applies "until further notice".

There were already some restrictions in place on wards at all of the trust's sites.

They added that the following restrictions are in force at all sites until further notice:

• No (visiting) children under 12 at any time

• Visiting is restricted on all inpatient wards (at all sites) to between 2-3pm and 16.30-7.30pm

• In the birthing centre and maternity units – outside of the hours above – visiting is restricted to birthing partners only

• In paediatrics – outside of the hours above – visiting is restricted parents/ legal guardian only

• Only one visitor per patient is permitted in the emergency department or ambulatory care at any time

On all wards no more than two visitors per patient are allowed and anyone who wants to make a visit to . patient on the mental health of end-of-life care wards has been asked to contact staff in advance.

The trust has also asked people to consider if their visit is necessary, due to the pressure which is likely in hospital car parks.

The restrictions affect the following sites/ hospitals:

• Alnwick Infirmary

• Berwick Infirmary

• Blyth Community Hospital

• Haltwhistle War Memorial Hospital

• Hexham General Hospital

• North Tyneside General Hospital

• The Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital

• The Whalton Unit, Morpeth

• Wansbeck General Hospital