Hospitals cut visits as critical incident declared

A hospital trust has asked people to limit their visits after a rise in flu, Covid and other winter illness cases.

On Friday, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) said it would remain open for essential visitors only, including critical patients, birthing partners and "other select groups".

The trust also asked visitors to wear face masks and for those who are eligible to have had flu and Covid immunisations.

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said a "critical incident" had been declared after "experiencing a high demand for services over recent weeks".

SaTH, which declared three critical incidents in 2024 as it dealt with increased demand, listed a number of exceptions to the visiting policy on its website.

They included people visiting dying patients or those undergoing palliative care, patients with learning difficulties or dementia, child patients and patients in "emotional distress".

The trust said if people were unsure, they should consult the ward manager or nurse in charge.

Paula Gardner, interim chief nursing officer, said the move was to "protect our most vulnerable patients and reduce the rising spread of infections".

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