SECURITY guards will man the doors at Furness General Hospital to stop anyone other than NHS workers from gaining access.

With hospitals across the UK under increasing pressure because of the coronavirus pandemic local sites are adding security measures in a bid to control the spread.

At The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust's three hospitals - FGH, Westmorland General Hospital and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, guards will check ID and only allow staff to gain access.

From today there will only be a small number of entrances at each hospital where staff and patients can gain access.

At Furness General Hospital, the access points will be:

*Rear doors adjacent to the Stores Department (staff only).

*Education Centre entrance (staff only);

*Main entrance (patients and staff).

At Westmorland General Hospital, the access points will be:

*Rear entrance from lower car park (staff only);

*Main entrance (staff only);

*Outpatients door (patients and staff).

Staff will need to show valid UHMBT ID in order to gain access.

Foluke Ajayi, the trust's chief operating officer, said: “As we enter the next phase of our preparations to respond to COVID-19, we now need to ensure we manage all entry points to the hospital buildings.

“This is a required measure to ensure we can control access to our buildings to minimise the risk of spread of infection and stop access to people who do not need to be here.

“The situation will be regularly reviewed and we will step these measures

down at the earliest opportunity.

"However, at this time these are essential to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and staff.

"We would like to thank our staff and the public for their continued support and cooperation as we deal with this difficult situation.

"No-one should visit any health and care settings if they: are unwell (especially if they have a high temperature or a new, persistent cough); are vulnerable as a result of their medication; have a chronic illness; or are over 70 years of age.

"If they do feel unwell, they can use the NHS 111 online service for the latest advice and guidance."

Last week UHMBT announced a ban on visitors for all patients in its hospitals.

UHMBT bosses said that, until further notice, visits will only be permitted for patients who are receiving end-of-life care, birthing partners in the Maternity Units and parents or legal guardians in the children’s wards.

The trust also temporarily suspended its home birthing service and closed its maternity facility at Helme Chase.