Patients at Coalville Community Hospital are enjoying 'virtual visiting' while they are unable to see their loved ones to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust has issued 37 iPads to all its inpatient wards at community hospitals and learning disability and mental health units while visiting is suspended.

The distribution of iPads is the latest in a number of initiatives the trust has introduced to ensure patients can stay in contact with their families during their hospital stay.

Linda Mellor meaningful activity co-ordinator at Coalville Community Hospital said: "So far it has been amazing, watching patients see their families for the first time in maybe four weeks.

"It has been received positively by both patients and their families.

"It has been a fabulous tool to improve patients' wellbeing and gives them a positive attitude - impacting on their recovery and goals.

"It is patient-centred care at its best and I've seen tears of sadness from missing loved ones, but the big smiles on their faces is priceless."

Patients can also stay connected with their loved ones without technology, through the trust's message to a loved one service launched in April.