Temporary visiting restrictions remain in place this weekend at north Cumbria’s hospitals.
The restrictions apply to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital, and community hospitals.
They have been put in place due to increasing numbers of flu cases in the county and hospital admissions due to flu.
With the exceptions of maternity, paediatric, end of life, and the most critical cases – at the discretion of the ward- all other visiting is temporarily restricted to help limit outbreaks and keep people safe.
People going to A&E should avoid bringing someone with them unless it’s necessary.
The North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals, said: “Our priority is to keep our patients and staff safe, and the best way to do that is to reduce the risk of further circulation of viruses by limiting the amount of people in hospitals.
“People in hospital are more vulnerable and flu is more serious for those who are already unwell.
“We understand how difficult it is for people to not be able to visit their loved ones when they are in hospital, and as soon as we can safely lift the restrictions we will do so.
“If you need to drop any urgent items off for a patient you can do so at the ward entrance.
“Anyone with concerns about a specific patient should contact the ward directly.”
