THE James Paget University Hospital has extended its visiting hours across many wards.

Visitors are now welcome at the Trust between 11.30am and 8pm, extended from 2pm and 3pm in most cases.

Chief matron, Julia Hunt said: 'We want to make visitors feel welcome and give everyone the opportunity to support their relatives or friends during their stay in hospital.

'Extending our visiting times will offer more flexibility to both our patients and their visitors.'

'Patients will still be encouraged to have rest periods as this is an important part of their recovery. Visitors may be asked to leave ward areas at certain times throughout the day and this will include mealtimes unless the visitor is assisting the patient.'

There are some exceptions to the new visiting times, including Ward 8, Ward 10, the Neonatal Unit, Oulton Unit, Charnwood Suite and Sandra Chapman Unit, which will be keeping their current visiting arrangements.

In some special circumstances it might be possible to visit outside these times but this must be arranged in advance with the Ward Manager or Matron.