TWO hospitals in Chelmsford have taken steps to try and stop the spread of swine flu.

Temporary restrictions on visiting at Broomfield Hospital and St John’s Hospital have been introduced to minimise the risk to patients and staff.

From Saturday only one visitor per bedside has been permitted and no children under 12 years will be able to visit.

Pregnant women are also advised not to visit.

Philippa Lowe, interim chief executive of Mid Essex Hospitals, said: “Currently we do not have a problem with swine flu at our hospitals, so to ensure it stays that way we are asking the public to help us.

“ By restricting the number of visitors that we allow into the hospital we can limit the number of infections that are brought in. We are also not allowing children less than 12 years to visit as they carry infections for longer.”

The trust is also asking visitors to ensure they adhere to the strict infection control procedures. This includes using the alcohol hand gel when entering a ward area.