STRICTER visiting restrictions have been introduced at Whiston Hospital in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

From today (Monday), all wards will be limited to one visitor per patient and will be restricted to a one-hour time slot, between 6pm and 7pm.

St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Whiston Hospital, is also in the process of rearranging all non-urgent outpatient appointments and surgery.

READ > Low-income families across St Helens can still receive free school meals

Patients will be contacted directly over the coming days.

In response to the revised visiting restrictions, Rowan Pritchard Jones, the trust’s medical director, said: “This decision has been made to keep as many people as possible, including patients, staff and visitors safe and to help prevent transmission of the virus.

“Our staff, like all those across the NHS, are working incredibly hard to care for patients during the most challenging of times and we appreciate everyone’s support now more than ever.”

The tightened measures come less than a week after the trust announced visiting restrictions at Whiston, St Helens and Newton hospitals.

It is understood Whiston Hospital is effectively coping with the outbreak but is moving quickly to make preparations for a potential influx of infected patients.

Information published by Public Health England over the weekend showed the number of cases of COVID-19 confirmed in St Helens rose to three, while there are four in neighbouring Knowsley.

These figures do not include people suspected of having the respiratory disease who are self-isolating at home but have not been tested.

Patients currently in Whiston Hospital who are confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19 are not allowed visitors.

Visitors with a cough, high temperature or who are unwell should not visit.

In addition, staff are asking that only one person should contact the ward per patient, with this one point of contact agreed with staff beforehand.

READ > Community spirit shines bright in St Helens throughout extraordinary week

Any concessions, such as visiting children, must be agreed with nurse in charge of the ward beforehand.

For more information contact the trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service available from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, on 0151 430 1376.

Alternatively, email: pals@sthk.nhs.uk