The acting chief executive of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) hospital in Gobowen has confirmed they have restricted all visiting because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The move was taken as the United Kingdom entered into the first day of restrictions created to stop the spread of the virus.

But Stacey Keegan, who is standing in for Mark Brandreth, says any family members who believe there are special circumstances for visiting can present their case to the hospital.

"We have taken the decision to restrict all visiting at RJAH until further notice," she said.

"We have decided to restrict all visiting in the hospital, with the exception of our patients on end-of-life care pathways.

"Any other relatives who feel they have exceptional circumstances as to why they should be allowed to visit will need to discuss on a case-by-case basis with the nurse-in-charge.

"Exceptional circumstances could refer to our patients with spinal cord injuries, or with learning disabilities and dementia where there may be significantly increased distress and/or allowing the visitors may be of real help to our nursing teams.

"This new guidance is in line with the announcement made by Boris Johnson on Monday evening, that people should only leave their homes in specific, essential circumstances."

“This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, however these are extraordinary times and it’s vitally important that we do the right thing to protect our staff and patients."