Patient visiting hours extended across hospitals

Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group said the changes would give visitors more time with their loved ones

Visiting hours have been extended at hospitals in Lincolnshire.

From Wednesday, visting hours were changed to allow visits between 11:00 and 20:00 BST, seven days a week, for wards at seven hospital sites.

The Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG) said feedback from a survey found that expanding visiting hours would give people greater flexibility.

Group chief nurse Nerea Odongo said: "We recognise the importance that family and support networks play in the recovery process."

She added: "Extending hospital visiting hours gives loved ones more time with patients, while allowing our staff to continue delivering safe, high-quality care."

The hospitals with expanded visiting hours include:

• Lincoln County Hospital

• Boston Pilgrim Hospital

• Grantham and District Hospital

• County Hospital Louth

• John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough

• Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding

• Skegness Hospital

Visitors have been asked to use the hand gel provided or wash their hands when they enter and leave wards.

They have also been asked by the LCHG to not attend if they have any signs or symptoms of infectious illnesses.

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