Hospital visitors asked to wear masks in wards

One of the biggest hospitals in the East of England has imposed visitor restrictions due to an increase in patients suffering with the flu and Covid-19.

Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge said adult patients could only be visited between 15:00 and 18:00 GMT.

It said visitors needed to wear a mask in clinical areas and urged people not to visit if feeling unwell.

Similar restrictions were imposed for the neighbouring Rosie maternity hospital

The two hospitals' governing body, the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, outlined the restrictions in an online post.

A trust spokeswoman told the BBC: "We are under increased pressure because of high levels of flu, winter vomiting bugs, Covid and respiratory illness .

"We apologise to any patients waiting longer than usual – hospital staff are following a number of well-rehearsed protocols to manage the pressures and keep patients safe."

She added: "The public can help us protect patients by taking note of visiting restrictions – these are constantly being reviewed, so visitors should check the latest updates."

• For all adult inpatient areas, visiting hours have been reduced to 15:00-18:00

• For all areas including wards and the emergency department, a maximum of one visitor at a time, who must be aged over 12

• For paediatric inpatients, only two adult visitors at a time. No child visitors under the age of 12

• Do not visit if you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of infection

• Additional visiting may be allowed on compassionate grounds

• All visitors are required to wear a mask in clinical areas. If you feel unable to wear a mask, please speak to the nurse in charge

The trust also posted a warning on its website, saying: "Our emergency department is very busy.

"Please think carefully about where to go for treatment."

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.