ALL face-to-face outpatient appointments at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospitals have ceased with immediate effect "unless in exceptional circumstances" as part of measures aimed at tackling the coronavirus outbreak.

Announcing the news Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust said such consultations will stop unless there is a compelling, safety-critical need for a physical visit to the site, at the discretion of the specialist team concerned.

A spokesperson said: "We are instead enabling virtual consultations for patients wherever possible, and will be communicating this to those patients affected.

"The Trust has been contacting all patients affected but if they have not yet heard, they should assume their appointment has been cancelled.

"This does not affect emergency admissions and if you are in labour.

"This decision is in accordance with government advice on social distancing and we are taking these measures to provide care in the safest possible way.

"Where possible, outpatient appointments will change to telephone consultations.

"Some patients will still require a face to face consultation and this will be planned to keep our patients as safe as possible.

"The wider situation around COVID-19 is evolving and we will adapt to meet the needs of our patients as new guidance is issued."

Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, addd: "We realise this can be distressing for patients awaiting appointments; however, this decision has been made to prioritise the safety and healthcare needs of our patients.

"We thank all of our patients for their cooperation at this time."

If you need medical help, please see latest advice from NHS England at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/