Lincolnshire’s hospitals, including the Johnson Hospital in Spalding, are to extend visiting hours.
You can now visit patients from 11am to 8pm at the county NHS run institutions.
The Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group say its following visitor feedback from staff and patients.
“These changes reflect the group’s commitment to patient-centred care by supporting more consistent and accessible visiting opportunities, which play a key role in the healing and wellbeing of our patients,” a spokesman for the group said.
Its chief nurse Nerea Odongo (pictured) said, “We recognise the importance that family and support networks play in the recovery process.
“Extending hospital visiting hours gives loved ones more time with patients, while allowing our staff to continue delivering safe, high-quality care.
“In some instances, visitors may choose to attend during mealtimes to support their loved one with eating their food.
“We welcome this support, particularly if this is something you already do for the patient at home.
“Food and drinks served on the wards are only for patients, however our teams are happy to show visitors where they can find refreshments on our sites.
“This may be from one of our vending machines, cafes, shops or restaurants.”
Visitors are being asked to take simple steps to keep everyone safe, including using the hand gel provided or washing their hands when they enter and leave wards, and not visiting if they have signs or symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 or flu, or if they have diarrhoea and vomiting or other infectious illnesses.
