A SOUTHAMPTON hospital has suspended visiting after a surge in norovirus and coronavirus cases among patients. 

University Hospital Southampton has announced the suspension, which will now take immediate effect. 

It comes after a recent increase in norovirus cases at the hospital, alongside rising numbers of Covid-19 positive patients. 

READ MORE: South Central Ambulance Service declares critical incident

Describing the suspension as a "difficult decision", University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said the situation is being kept under review. 

In a post on social media, the trust said: "This is not a decision we would want to take, but the safe care of patients and our staff who are caring for them is our priority."

Visiting will only be permitted under compassionate, exceptional or other specific circumstances, in agreement with the patient's healthcare team. 

A further update on the situation is expected at the end of this week. 

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News