VISITING times at Halton and Warrington hospitals have been changed to protect patients' mealtimes, say health chiefs.

Relatives and friends are now asked to call in between 3pm and 4.30pm and 6.30pm and 8pm.

"Visitors are a hugely valuable aid to the morale, well-being and recovery of patients," said director of nursing Kath Holbourn.

"However, under the current visiting arrangements, some patients may find that their mealtimes can sometimes be interrupted."

The new times do not affect the children's ward, intensive therapy unit, high dependency unit and neonatal unit.