A HOSPITAL trust has announced it has relaxed its visiting restrictions across its network.

From today (Monday, July 3) visiting will be permitted at Westmorland General Hospital between 2pm and 8pm every day.

A spokesman for the Morecambe Bay trust said: "Although visiting will be open during those hours the trust would like to stress the importance of allowing enough time for our patients to rest and recuperate during their hospital stay and encourage visitors to consider making visits of one hour where possible.

"Restrictions may need to be introduced on wards that are declared to have an infection outbreak. In all other areas, patients will be allowed a maximum of two visitors at a time."

Where restrictions are in place, visiting will continue to be permitted in the following instances:

- In exceptional circumstances, including on wards declared an outbreak.

- The patient is receiving end-of-life care.

- One parent/carer is allowed to stay with their child or baby throughout their time in hospital

- The visitor is supporting someone with dementia, a learning disability, autism, or something where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed. For patients with dementia, John’s campaign is available for one family member/carer to visit and support the patient as needed.