CHILDREN have been banned from visiting two hospital wards due to fears over swine flu.

Colchester General Hospital has banned under 16s from its children’s ward and special care baby unit from today to halt the spread of the virus.

Parents and main carers will be able to visit the wards when they want, but brothers, sisters, cousins and friends aged under 16 must stay away.

Other adult visitors, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, will only be able to visit the ward between 3pm and 5pm.

The hospital said the measures had been introduced on the advice of paediatricians and infection control experts and with the start of the school holidays.

Dr Bhupinder Sihra, consultant paediatrician, said: “During the summer, there is a huge rise in the number of children visiting siblings on the children’s ward and special care baby unit. The restrictions have been introduced as children may be more vulnerable to swine flu than older people.

“Those with underlying health issues, like many who are receiving inpatient care with us, are more at risk of complications if infected with the virus.

“Stopping children, who may pick up the virus in the community, from visiting is a sensible precaution at this time.”

Dr Sihra said the restrictions, which will be in place until September 1, would also reduce the risk of visitors spreading other infections, such as coughs and colds.

Lynda Pearce, children’s services matron, apologised for any inconvenience. She added: “We believe some other hospitals have already introduced similar restrictions, but we recognise they may result in childcare issues for people who would normally bring children with them as visitors.”