FREE Lateral Flow Tests will no longer be available for free in England from Friday April 1, and two North East hospitals has said proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test will not be necessary when visiting a patient.

People visiting loved ones at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool will not need to take a Lateral Flow Test beforehand.

All visitors, however, are asked to not come to the hospital if they are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19.

Read more: The last date you can collect free Covid lateral flow tests in Darlington

Deepak Dwarakanath, medical director, said: “Covid-19 is still a threat so it’s vital that no one puts their loved one at risk by visiting them in hospital if they have any symptoms of the virus.”

Visits are limited to two people per patient for one hour and must be booked in advance by calling the ward.

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054