Hospital visiting restricted over flu cases in East Sussex
Bosses say the common infection can make people receiving hospital care seriously ill
Temporary restrictions to hospital visiting have been introduced by the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, because of the number of patients with flu.
From today (Tuesday 7th January), most patients are only allowed one visitor, including those accompanying people waiting in the Emergency Department.
Exemptions are in place for end-of-life care, as well as patients aged under 16, and the special care baby unit.
A statement from the NHS Trust, which runs services including the Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital, said: "Additional visitors will be permitted on compassionate grounds on a case-by-case basis for all of our other services.
"Individuals waiting with patients in our Emergency Department may be required to leave the department if it is busy, unless they are providing specific support to a vulnerable patient with additional needs."
The NHS Trust added that while flu is a common infection in winter and "will often get better on its own, it can make some people seriously ill, particularly those who are vulnerable and those receiving hospital care."