Visiting has been suspended at two of the main hospitals serving Powys.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has taken the action at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Medical director Dr Arne Rose said: “We have not taken this decision lightly and we appreciate it may be frustrating or worrying for the families and friends of patients, but we can assure you that it is the safest precaution to take at this time.

“In line with our usual practice, Ward staff will contact next of kin if a patient in our care becomes seriously ill or if there are changes to their treatment.”

Exceptions to the suspension of visiting will be applied to children’s services, maternity and the neonatal department, and for end of life care patients.

On the children’s ward, one parent or carer will be allowed to be with the child. Two named visitors are permitted and these visitors can alternate.

One birthing partner will be allowed into the delivery suite on the maternity ward, with staff contacting them when women are transferred to the delivery suite.

Parents will be allowed to visit the neonatal unit.

End of life care patients will be permitted to receive visitors but this will be restricted to next of kin and an additional two visitors.

Dr Rose added: “We the support of our patient and staff with this difficult decision which will help us to better protect staff, visitors and patients from this infection.”