PROBLEMS are set to continue for Hampshire patients over the New Year after three major hospitals confirmed they would carry on restricting visiting hours.

Patients at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Andover War Memorial Hospital, and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital were unable to see loved ones for more than an hour during Christmas after cases of sickness and diarrhoea were reported nearly two weeks ago (December 20).

All wards at the three hospitals have been affected by the outbreak which means many sick and injured people have spent the best part of the festive period alone.

The situation will be reviewed again on Friday, January 3.

Wards will be open to visitors between 6.30pm and 7.30pm but children and the elderly are not advised to enter hospital grounds.

Anyone who has experienced flu-like symptoms or diarrhoea and vomiting are asked to avoid coming to the hospital completely.

For more information visit hampshirehosptials.nhs.uk.