Medway Maritime Hospital has cut visiting times in a bid to fight infections during the winter months.

Wards will only be open to visitors from 2pm to 5.30pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Previously the hospital in Gillingham operated flexible visiting times, which meant friends and family could visit at times suitable for them, with guidance from ward nurses and doctors.

Signs have gone up at the entrances to each ward informing visitors of the changes and the new times are being enforced from this week.

The cuts are a temporary measure for winter and will be reviewed again at the end of January.

A spokesman for Medway NHS Trust said: “Ward visiting times have been altered to reduce the spread of infections such as norovirus. This is part of our winter plan to protect our patients.

“Family members supporting the care of a relative are welcome to discuss alternative visiting arrangements with the nurse in charge.”