Coronavirus: Patient visits to Peterborough, Stamford and Hinchinbrooke hospitals limited

The North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust - which runs the three hospitals - has followed Addenbrooke's Hospital in applying restrictions due to the coronavirus.

The new policy begins on Monday.

RELATED: Coronavirus cases in Cambridgeshire rises to fourCoronavirus: Support offered to vulnerable Peterborough residents as Addenbrooke’s Hospital restricts visitorsThe trust said: "In order to protect our patients and staff from the rapidly-developing spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we have put in place a policy to limit hospital visits by members of the public.

"From Monday, March 16 we are asking the public to limit visiting patients at Peterborough City Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Hospital and Stamford and Rutland Hospital to essential visits only. This means:

. One visitor per adult patient

. A partner and birthing partner per woman in labour

. Two parents or responsible carers per child patient

. No children (under 12) on site without prior agreement of the ward manager or nurse in charge.

"Discretion will be applied on compassionate grounds by the nurse/midwife in charge.

"Outpatient appointments are currently continuing as normal, unless you are contacted and advised otherwise. For adult patients attending outpatient appointments, please be mindful to either attend by yourself or bring one person to accompany you where possible.

"If you have a new consistent cough or high temperature (of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher) then please do not visit our hospitals. You should, as stated in NHS and Public Health England guidance, self-isolate at home for seven days.

"Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

. Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands."

"More information can be found on the NHS website."

Meanwhile, Peterborough City Council has created a campaign page to "provide local communities, organisations and services with coronavirus campaign materials".

It added: "You can share the posters, tweets and Facebook posts to encourage people to do those simple and effective things, such as regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, which help prevent the spread of all germs and viruses, including coronavirus."

The page can be found at https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/public-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-campaign-for-communities and includes posters in other languages.

And a new Peterborough support network has opened on Facebook.

A post on the Peterborough COVID 19 Support Network page says it has been set up "to support people who are concerned or effected by COVID 19.

"There's going to be a lot of people out there will need help so let's lend a hand to each other. Please post useful information and offers or requests for help."