NEW visiting times have come into force at Harrogate District Hospital.

Those visiting patients at the hospital must now visit between 2pm and 4pm or 6pm and 8pm.

The health trust said the move was in response to concerns expressed by patients, visitors and hospital staff.

"The prolonged visiting hours of 2pm to 8pm and lack of restrictions on visitors can become tiring for many patients and their families," said a spokesman.

Visitor numbers will also be limited to two per patient while children under 12 will be discouraged from visiting.

However, ward staff will have the discretion to allow longer or more flexible visiting for visitors from far afield or for other medical reasons.