VISITING hours at Dorset County Hospital have been suspended as the NHS battles coronavirus.

In line with new national guidance, visiting is suspended with immediate effect and until further notice.

The only exceptional circumstances where one visitor – an immediate family member or carer – will be permitted to visit are:

• The patient you wish to visit is receiving end-of-life care.

• You are the birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour

• You are a parent or appropriate adult visiting your child.

In these cases, you should contact the ward or department in advance to discuss arrangements.

A spokesman for DCH said: "Your health, safety and wellbeing, that of our patients, communities and individuals and teams across the organisation remain our absolute priority.

"Please find other ways of keeping in touch with your loved ones in hospital, like phone and video calls.

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

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