While it is good news for the country that from today we move out of level 0 and more normality returns, there are still challenges for healthcare services with pressure on hospital, primary care and community services across Lanarkshire.

To protect patients and staff the current restrictions on social distancing and face masks will continue to be in place in healthcare settings across Lanarkshire for the foreseeable future.  As will the current visiting restrictions in our hospitals.

We understand that this may be frustrating for people coming into our healthcare settings when other areas of the community are opening up but we are asking patients, visitors and the public to support us by following the restrictions in our hospitals and other healthcare facilities for the time being.

Covid-19 has not gone away and we still have patients in our hospitals and in the community who are experiencing symptoms.  By following 2 metre distancing, continuing to wear facemasks and adhering to the guidance on hand hygiene by washing or using hand sanitiser the public are doing their bit to protect those who are vulnerable.

Dr Jane Burns, medical director said:  “We recognise that patients and their families are having a challenging time already and are understandably expecting that the changes today will include hospitals, clinics, treatment rooms, GP surgeries and other healthcare settings.  Unfortunately, while we are still seeing cases in our hospitals and community settings we need to maintain the current restrictions on social distancing and facemasks.

“This is not an easy decision and we recognise that people will be exasperated at having to continue with the restrictions but we ask them to consider if it was one of their family members or friends who was having symptoms or were vulnerable.   We know that you would want to do anything to protect them and that is why we are urging everyone coming to a healthcare setting to adhere to physical distancing in communal areas of the hospital, wear face coverings and frequently wash their hands when entering and leaving clinical areas.

“We would also strongly encourage people visiting a healthcare facility to carry out a Lateral Flow Test, particularly prior to visiting their loved ones in hospital.  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 are monitoring the cases across Lanarkshire in the community and healthcare settings and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will make appropriate changes to the restrictions at the appropriate time.

“We hope everyone will understand that this decision has been made in the best interests of patients, visitors, the public and our staff.”

ENDS