A HOSPITAL boss has urged patients to seek help if they need it amid the third national lockdown.

People across north Essex now face tougher restrictions and bosses at Colchester Hospital have had to put limits on visiting the Turner Road site.

Hospital chief executive Nick Hulme has told patients it is still safe for them to visit the hospital for appointments or in emergencies.

He said: “It is still safe for you to come for treatment and care at our hospitals.

"If you need our help, our teams are here for you.

"It’s so important that patients continue to attend their booked appointments and surgery."

The trust said visiting to all wards remains suspended, apart from in exceptional or compassionate circumstances.

Outpatients must attend appointments alone and those attending the emergency cannot be accompanied, unless they are a child or vulnerable adult.

Antenatal and postnatal ward visiting has also been suspended and only pregnant mums can attend maternity triage and antenatal appointments.

Mr Hulme added: “We would like to thank everyone in our communities for their continued support and understanding.

"These are not decisions we take lightly. They are regrettable, but necessary.

“We will keep the situation under regular review, but it is just not possible to open our hospitals fully to visitors at this time.

“We have to make these changes and tighten restrictions further to keep our patients and staff safe.

"We are still working hard to beat this awful virus and we must continue to do all we can to help stop the spread of coronavirus.”

NHS England figures show 593 people had died in hospital at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Tuesday.

That was an increase of seven compared to Monday, when there were 586.

It means there have been 51 deaths in the past week, up from 29 the previous week.

Colchester Hospital’s Emergency Department and the Urgent Treatment Centre are open for patients who need urgent and emergency help.

If you have a health concern that’s not an emergency but you’re thinking about coming to A&E, call NHS 111 first for advice.