Two Black Country hospitals extend visiting hours

Visiting hours have been extended at New Cross Hospital and Manor Hospital

Visiting hours at two Black Country hospitals been extended.

Two people at a time can now visit patients at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton and Manor Hospital in Walsall, between 11:00 and 20:00.

The move by both the Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts received "overwhelming" support from relatives, friends and carers.

The new arrangements do not apply to specialist wards including maternity, neonatal, paediatrics and intensive care, as separate visiting times are in place to meet specific needs, the trust said.

Garry Perry, associate director for patient voice for the trusts, said: "Patients’ friends, families and carers can play a vital role in aiding their recovering, whether it’s through providing company, encouraging people to keep up their food and fluid intake or offering wider support for those living with dementia for example.

“We just ask that visitors are limited to two per bedside at any time and respect others’ privacy as well as continue working with us to minimise infection risk and maintain calm, caring areas for our patients."