BARNSLEY Hospital has suspended hospital visits for the foreseeable future in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The exceptions are one birthing partner for women giving birth, one parent or carer of a child attending or receiving treatment at our hospital and one person is allowed to accompany a person to A and E if the person cannot attend themselves.

In the statement issued by Barnsley Hospital it said: “Some exceptions will be made for end of life care and for patients who have specific care needs being met by family or carers; this will be at the discretion of the lead nurse.

“In order to help our nurses to care for patients in our hospital we ask that where possible family members and friends to communicate with patients directly by using a mobile phone. Where this is not possible we will facilitate a conversation with a nominated family member who we will then ask to communicate with other family members.”