A SOUTHAMPTON hospital will be completely restrict access to the site from today in order to protect staff and patients during the coronavirus outbreak.

From today, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust will completely close to visitors and anyone who is not staff or a patient - including limiting one parent to accompany a child patient.

All patients and visitors will be asked about health and coronavirus symptoms before being permitted access into the hospitals and temperature checks may be taken.

As part of this process the Trust began to reduce visitors to our hospitals – Southampton General Hospital, Southampton Children’s Hospital and the Princess Anne Hospital – two weeks ago.

Now, the decision to restrict site access completely from today.

The only exceptions to the rule will be; one parent to accompany a child patient; if you are a patient with an appointment at one of the hospitals; if you are a patient requiring emergency care; for compassionate visitation as long as it is prior approved via the ward lead; and to provide mobility or care support for a patient.

Patients attending an appointment will also be asked to provide the appointment letter before being allowed to access the site.

Patients should not arrive early for appointments.

If arriving by car, any accompanying persons that aren’t required for mobility purposes should wait in the car.

Checkpoints will be manned by staff and in operation at relevant entrances.

Visitors should maintain social distancing while waiting in a queue for screening before entry into the trust.

The primary entrances for all patients/visitors will be the main entrance to Southampton General and main pedestrian entrance and ambulance entrance to the Princess Anne.

Other entry points remaining open will only admit patients for that particular service and will be the eye unit and radiotherapy.

All staff will be required to show ID badges when entering each hospital and will be required to use designated staff entrances.

PAH staff will use the main entrances on D and E level.

Check points will be in place at all staff and patient entrances.