St George's Hospital in Tooting wants to restrict the number of visitors to patients in its care and the times they can visit.

This is to help curb the spread of germs - the hospital's record in controlling infection has been found wanting.

It will also make the management of mealtimes much easier. It is a sensible measure, a return to previous practice when matrons would restrict the arrival of visitors to their patients.

Large groups of visitors can disrupt what should be the peaceful atmosphere of a hospital ward and undoubtedly contribute to the spread of harmful infections. St George's example is one other hospitals should follow.

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