Strictly controlled visiting times are being scrapped at Medway Maritime Hospital.

In future, patients will be able to decide who can visit them, and when. What's more, the hospital is also allowing up to three visitors at a time.

Jacqueline McKenna, director of nursing at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We believe visitors play an important part in a patient's recovery.

"We also understand how difficult it can sometimes be for friends and relatives to visit their loved ones at hospital within the restrictions of visiting times.

"This is why we have decided to introduce patient-led visiting times - letting patients decide when they wish to have visitors."

It will be done with guidance from nurses and doctors. Visitors will have to use alcohol rubs when entering and leaving the ward to help prevent the spread of infection.