VISITING to all Powys hospitals has temporarily been suspended, it has been announced.

Powys Teaching Health Board announced the decision yesterday, to reduce the risk of infection, and cited the Prime Minister’s message encouraging everyone to Stay at home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.

All visiting has been stopped with the exception of a single birth partner in birth centres, or at the discretion of the ward sister for end of life care.

The health board also said that family members should not bring or collect laundry from the wards, as temporary arrangements for patient laundry will be available.

This is the full list of advice on hospital visiting, including any restrictions:

Please note: You must not visit any hospital if you are feeling unwell, especially if you have a high temperature or a new persistent cough.

Powys Teaching Health Board

All visiting has been suspended, with the exception of a single birth partner in birth centres, or at the discretion of the ward sister for end of life care.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny)

All visiting has been suspended, with the exception of a birth partner for maternity, a nominated parent on restricted visiting for child patients/neonates and discretion for patients receiving end of life care.

It is strongly encouraged for relatives to phone their loved ones directly and use social media where possible, rather than though the ward telephone, due to the anticipated additional phone calls.

Wye Valley NHS Trust (Hereford County Hospital)

Visiting has been stopped at all hospitals, with the exception of special allowances made for birthing partners, parents of patients under the age of 12, relatives collecting patients on discharge and those at the end of life.

These are restricted to one person, and all visits must be pre-arranged with the nurse in charge.

Cwm Taf Health Board (Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil)

Visiting has been stopped at all hospitals. Exceptions are for patients receiving end of life care (visiting to be agreed with clinical team), one partner or birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour and the post-natal period for a limited time only, and paediatrics and neonatal areas (one person only as agreed with clinical team).

Cardiff and Vale University Heath Board (University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff)

No visiting allowed. Exceptional circumstances include end of life care (at the discretion of the nurse in charge), one birthing partner for maternity visiting, and one parent/legal guardian for Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Hywel Dda University Health Board (Glangwili General Hospital)

Restricted visiting across all wards. The only exceptions to this arrangement are one parent/guardian at a time to visit their child, one birthing partner for birthing mothers, and patients considered to be the end of life or receiving palliative care. Visits must be pre-planned and agreed with the sister/charge nurse.

Swansea University Health Board (Morriston Hospital, Swansea)

All general hospital visiting has now stopped. The only exceptions are paediatrics (one parent or carer at a time), maternity (one birthing partner), and palliative care (one family member at a time, if it is safe to do so). Please discuss arrangements with the ward manager.