More people will be able visit mothers who have just given birth in East Lancashire hospitals as Covid rules are relaxed.

From Monday,September 26, the visiting hours in East Lancashire hospitals, including Royal Blackburn Hospital, Burnley General Hospital and Accrington Victoria Hospital, will change, giving more freedom for extended family to cone and visit women on the postnatal ward.

The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) said Covid restrictions are being lifted meaning partners of all mothers with a newborn will be able to visit any time.

Since May, partners were only permitted to visit the ward between 11am and 11pm.

Siblings of the newborn are welcomed between 10am and 7.30pm and extended family can visit between 2pm and 4pm and 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Two extended family adults are welcome, in addition to the partner and siblings, during these times.

Visitors may differ from the afternoon to evening session.

A spokesperson for the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “COVID restrictions are being lifted which means increased access to the partner of all mothers with a newborn, as well as visiting time changes for siblings of the newborn, extended family and friends, and visitors.

“Whilst on occasion there will be the need for bespoke planning for some mothers and babies, we encourage partners, where possible, to return home overnight due to limited facilities on the ward and also in support of their own well-being.”