Coronavirus: Southern Health community hospital sites suspend visits to limit spread of Covid-19

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust sites, which includes Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Fareham Community Hospital, Ravenswood in Knowle and Elmleigh in Havant, will no longer accept visits to limit the spread of Covid-19.

A spokeswoman from the Trust said: 'We understand this may be upsetting and are sorry for any distress this may cause. However, your health, safety and wellbeing, that of our patients, service users, communities and staff remains our absolute priority.

'We encourage people to find other ways to keep in touch, like phone and video calls. We are working quickly to ensure that service users in our mental health sites have access to these forms of communication as soon as possible.

'Everyone should follow the expert national guidance on social distancing and self-isolation and stay at home wherever possible, to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), protect the most vulnerable people in our communities and our NHS.

'Thank you for your continued support and understanding at this challenging time. We are working on ways to support you to keep in touch with loved ones who are inpatients and will keep you updated.'

In cases of exceptional circumstances, such as for those receiving end of life care, families are asked to contact the ward or department in advance to discuss arrangements.

Visiting hours at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham has also been suspended as part of the response to limit the spread of the virus.