HOSPITALS across the North-East and North Yorkshire have imposed strict revised guidelines on the number of visitors allowed when visiting patients.

Some NHS Trusts have placed an entire ban on all but essential visits, while others have drastically reduced visiting times and the number of visitors allowed at any one time.

We've put together the latest advice from hospitals in your area and will be updating the list as advice changes throughout the day.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

The trust has confirmed that only ONE visitor per patient, including patients admitted to its emergency departments, are allowed. 

It said visitors who are aged twelve and under were strongly 'discouraged' from visiting patients in hospital unless visiting their parents or siblings.

Imposing a visit of one-hour each time, the trust urged those who are not feeling well to avoid coming in to see patients.

Hospitals include: 

  • Darlington Memorial Hospital
  • University Hospital of North Durham
  • Bishop Auckland Hospital
  • Chester-le-Street Community Hospital
  • Shotley Bridge Community Hospital
  • Sedgefield Community Hospital
  • Richardson Hospital
  • Weardale Community Hospital

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

The trust has restricted visits to a maximum of one person per patient, including all appointments and those attending Urgent and Emergency Care.

The trust said: "This minimises the risk of infection spreading and it frees up space on our wards to do what we do best - care for you.

"We understand there are exceptional circumstances where more than one person might need to visit. If this is the csae, please speak with the ward matron who will be able to consider your request'."

Hospitals include:

  • University Hospital of Hartlepool
  • University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The trust has asked members of the public to limit ALL visits unless 'essential' and visit times have been limited to one hour each day.

People are only permitted to visit if they are in a certain category - while only one visitor will be permitted onto the ward.

Only those in this category are permitted: A partner and birthing partner per woman in labour, two visitors per child patient (This may include a child under 12), no children under the age of 12 on adult wards without prior agreement of the ward manager or nurse in charge.

It said discretion would be applied on compassionate grounds by the nurse or midwife in charge and that only one person is permitted to accompany adult appointments.

Hospitals include:

  • James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
  • The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton
  • East Cleveland Primary Care Hospital
  • Guisborough Primary Care Hospital
  • Redcar Primary Care Hospital

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

The trust is limiting visitors to one 'immediate family member or carer' only. It advises that visitors should only be limited to on per patient unless: the patient is receiving end-of-life care, the visitor needs to be accompanied, they are a partner and birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour.

Hospitals include:

- QE Hospital Gateshead

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

The trust has banned all visits at its Hospitals in extreme measures to stem the spread of COVID-19.

It said: "We have taken this decision to protect its patients and staff. Until further notice, visiting will only be permitted in the following circumstances: For patients who are receiving end-of-life care, for birthing partners in maternity units, for parents or legal guardians in the children’s unit - iPads will be available on wards to facilitate ‘virtual’ visiting and friends and relatives will be able to ring a central number for information about their loved one in hospital."

Hospitals affected: 

  • Alnwick Infirmary
  • Berwick Infirmary 
  • Blyth Community Hospital 
  • Haltwhistle War Memorial Hospital 
  • Hexham General Hospital 
  • North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields
  • Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Cramlington
  • Rothbury Community Hospital 
  • Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington

We are continually updating this story with the latest trust information from your area.