Patient visiting has been suspended at Warwick Hospital as the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise both locally and nationally.

Only patients on end of life care, receiving a "life-changing" diagnosis, children and dementia patients will be allowed visitors.

And a birthing partner will be allowed to accompany a woman in labour for the "immediate post-natal period".

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust announced today (December 29) that it has stopped visiting in at all of its sites as the omicron variant causes infection rates to soar nationwide.

In Kenilworth alone infection rates have more than doubled during December.

A trust statement said: "Due to the ongoing omicron threat, we have made the difficult decision to suspend visiting with some exceptions.

"This guidance will be continually monitored.

"We would like to thank you for your continued support in helping to protect our patients & staff."

(Image by Snowmanradio via wikimedia commons)