Visiting restrictions have been relaxed at hospitals across mid and south Essex, as Covid cases fall across the county.

People can now visit patients on wards at the hospitals covered by the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, including St Peter's Hospital on Spital Road in Maldon.

The new rules, which came into effect today (Thursday, 17 February), mean patients are allowed to see one named visitor for one hour a day.

The patient must have the same visitor each day, and visitors must book their slots in advance by contacting the ward.

Hospital bosses are asking visitors to take a lateral flow test before coming to any of the sites.

Visitors must wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth while visiting the ward.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "To keep our visitors and staff safe, protect our vulnerable patients and limit the spread of Covid-19, we continue to restrict the number of people allowed on to our hospital sites.

"We know that it's hugely important for patients to see their loved ones while they are in hospital and we know this is at a very difficult time of year.

"We will continue to review our visiting arrangements in line with guidance from Public Health England, NHS England and NHS Improvement."

The change does not affect visiting arrangements for end of life care, maternity and paediatric patients.

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