The trust stated that reducing the number of people visiting the Royal Bournemouth, Poole or Christchurch hospitals will help it to maintain social distancing and ensure staff, patients and their families are protected as best as it can. The trust said these measures may be difficult, but are essential to slow the spread of the infection.

From Thursday 5 November 2020, visitors are no longer allowed into the hospitals, with the following exceptions:

• Maternity – one birth partner only and one partner for the 20 week scan. Strictly no children
• Paediatrics – one parent/guardian only. Strictly no siblings
• Advocates – visitors who are required to make decisions on behalf of patients who do not have capacity to do so themselves
• Patients at the end of life – in these difficult circumstances, up to one visitor per patient will be able to come into the hospital to spend time together