A Wiltshire hospital has suspended visiting as it struggles to cope with an influx of COVID-19 patients over the past few days.
Salisbury District Hospital says it’s dealing with a ‘continuous and rapid rise in the number of patients being cared for that have tested positive for coronavirus’.
In a statement, it wrote: “Regrettably, due to a continuous and rapid rise in the number of patients being cared for at Salisbury District Hospital that have tested positive for COVID-19 the difficult decision has been made to immediately suspend all visiting except for those receiving end of life care and those patients with special needs.
“Anyone planning on visiting loved ones at Salisbury Hospital should contact the relevant ward in advance and discuss alternative ways to keep in touch.
“This decision has been made to protect patients and staff and support the safe operating of the hospital. Access for partners to support mothers during labour remains unchanged and partners can attend with mothers for some clinics and for limited periods on the post-natal wards.
“However, all departments at the hospital remain open and we would encourage patients with appointments to attend as planned.”