As the country moves to level 0 today, there are still challenges for healthcare services with pressure on hospital, primary care and community services across Lanarkshire.
It is this pressure that has made us take the decision to continue the current visiting restrictions in our hospitals for the for the time being. However, this will be reviewed on a regular basis as we recognise that support from loved ones has a positive impact on a patient’s wellbeing and recovery and restricting visiting has been one of many very difficult decisions during the pandemic.
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.
“As we move towards further restrictions being lifted which will allow more people to come together in their home and in public spaces there may be an expectation that hospitals will allow more visitors. Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in the number of Covid patients in our hospitals, particularly in the younger generation, and it is our priority to protect our patients and staff as much as is possible.
“This is why we have made the difficult decision to maintain the current visiting restrictions where every patient in our hospital wards is able to benefit from support and contact with at least one named person of their choosing during their hospital stay. However, we are reviewing this 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 and removing the very limiting time restrictions currently in place.
“The named person will be able to have close contact with their loved one, such as holding hands. This will provide those patients in hospital with the vital support they need from family, carers or friends.
“Visiting will continue to be by appointment only and visitors should contact the ward to arrange a time to visit.
“In some cases, the person providing support visits may need to be accompanied by another person, for example a child visiting a parent or sibling, or a frail elderly person who cannot attend the hospital independently. The named person providing support can also be changed.
“Anyone with questions about visiting arrangements should speak to the nurse in charge of the ward.
“While visitors can have close contact with their loved one, they are reminded 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 all 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.”
Further information on visiting is available on our website at
https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/novel-corona-virus-covid-19/service-change/
