HOSPITALS across Somerset have closed their doors to visitors, with some exceptions, to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Among those that are closed are Musgrove Park Hospital and all 13 community hospitals, including Minehead, and mental health units.

The exceptions are visitors to patients receiving end-of-life care, children’s wards and neo-natal units, and patients with specific conditions such as a dementia or a learning disability.

Dr Ed Ford, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) chairman, said the restrictions were to help protect patients, NHS staff and the public.

“We fully appreciate that this may be difficult for many people who naturally want to visit their loved ones when they are unwell,” said Dr Ford.

“We do not take this action lightly but we truly believe that complying with these restrictions will help keep our patients, visitors and colleagues safe during this period.

“By limiting visiting in these ways, visitors are helping our hospitals, units and NHS services to manage to keep everyone as safe as possible.

“We encourage those who would usually visit to embrace technology and keep in touch using mobile phones to call and message.

“Our hospitals are also relaxing the rules around video calls to help keep you connected during this difficult time.”

Dr Ford said that individual visiting arrangements will be made for patients receiving end-of-life care and with specific condition.

Only parents or guardians may visit children’s wards and neonatal units where visit are limited to one per patient.

Women in labour may be accompanied by just one birthing partner.

People attending outpatient appointments are asked to attend alone if at all possible. If they need to be accompanied due to mobility issues, one person may accompany them.

No children are to enter the outpatients unit unless they are the patient.

Even if they meet that criteria, no-one should go into a hospital or unit if they are unwell, especially with a high temperature or a new, persistent cough, or if they are vulnerable as a result of medication, have a chronic illness or are aged over 70.

All permitted visitors to hospitals are required to wash their hands with soap and water, or use the alcohol gel when they go into a ward or department and when they leave.

The latest public health advice can be found on the NHS website’s coronavirus-covid-19 link.