Relatives and friends of patients in hospital are reminded about a free service to get messages to them.

Visitors are currently not allowed into the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle or Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital, except in exceptional circumstances.

While meet and greet volunteers are in the hospitals seven-days-a-week to convey clothes, gifts and belongings to the wards, some people are unable to get to the sites to drop off cards or items.

The patient experience and involvement team (PALS) has set up a system where people can send or phone in messages. Messages - and even photos - are then printed out, laminated and delivered to patients, so they can keep up-to-date with the news from home. Contact PALS by freephone 0800 633 5547, calling 01228 814008 or email pals@ncic.nhs.uk. They will need the person’s name, date of birth and message - with a photo included as an email attachment if required.