The Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath has suspended visiting until further notice to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The measure has been adopted to protect patients and staff and follow the launch of the government‘s nationwide ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ campaign, asking everyone to follow the rules on social distancing.

The RUH has now changed its visiting rules, with new restrictions coming into immediate effect.

The only exceptional circumstances for the new restrictions are if one visitor - a family member or carer - is the birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour, a parent or guardian visiting their child, patients nearing the end of their lives.

A RUH Spokesman said: "During this time we ask and encourage visitors to use other methods of keeping in touch with your loved ones in hospital, including phone and video calls."

Adult outpatients are asked to come into hospital alone and child outpatients can be accompanied by one adult, but no siblings.

People are asked to contact the ward in advance to discuss the arrangements.

Any inpatients with Covid-19 or awaiting testing are treated in isolation and are not able to receive visitors.

Trust chief executive, James Scott said: “We have not taken this step lightly and we recognise this is a difficult time for all our patients, their families and carers.

"Your health, safety and wellbeing, and that of our patients, communities and individuals and teams across the organisation, remains our absolute priority.

“Thank you for your continued support and understanding at this challenging time.”

For more information about visiting the RUH, please see https://bit.ly/2QQ7JlA