Visiting restrictions at Brighton and Haywards Heath hospitals – all you need to know

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust said it had made the ‘difficult, but essential, decision’ to restrict visiting throughout its four hospitals: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Roayl Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Sussex Eye Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital.

It said the only visitors who will be allowed in the hospitals will be:

• A single birth partner for a woman in labour – people should refer to the maternity site for further information about visiting and appointments

• A single parent for a child in paediatrics

• Carers with a carer’s passport or a carer’s card

• Visitors for an end of life patient. To ensure compassion while delivering safe care, the number of visitors permitted at this time will be at the ward manager’s discretion.

It added: “We know this a worrying time and we will make every effort to help patients stay connected with the people who matter most to them.”

The Trust said no children under 12 should visit without the ward manager’s prior permission and in children’s units, only one parent/carer is permitted – no siblings are allowd.

Two parents are permitted in its neonatal units, it confirmed, but no other visitors are permitted.

If there are exceptional circumstances, people are asked to contact the ward area and discuss with the ward manager.