As case number rise of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, and the continuing pressure on our hospitals, we have made the decision to introduce ‘essential visiting only’ across all our hospitals.
We understand that support from loved ones has a positive impact on a patient’s wellbeing and recovery so making this decision has been very difficult but, as this variant seems to be more transmissible, our priority has to be keeping our patients and staff as safe as possible.
By reintroducing essential visiting, which only permits a visit to patients who would be distressed or suffer by not seeing a family member, this will limit the number of people coming into our hospitals. This will reduce the risk of the Omicron variant being passed to patients and staff in our hospitals.
NHS Lanarkshire nurse director Susan Friel said: “We understand that patients in hospital are having a challenging time and want to have their family and friends around them for support.
“It is our priority to protect our patients and staff as much as is possible and this is why we have made the difficult decision to reintroduce essential visiting at this time. However, we will be reviewing this very regularly and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will be expanding visiting by prioritising access for those closest to the patient.
“We recognise that essential visits, which only permit visits to patients where not seeing a family member would cause particular distress or suffering, is not ideal but necessary for the time being.
“Anyone with questions about visiting arrangements should speak to the nurse in charge of the ward.
“We would also strongly encourage all essential visitors to carry out a Lateral Flow Test prior to visiting their loved one. Information on how to obtain a Lateral Flow Test and how to take the test is available by visiting NHS Inform at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-get-a-test-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms
“We hope everyone will understand that this decision has been made in the best interests of patients, other visitors and our staff.”
