As Covid-19 case numbers continue to rise across the country, and in particular in Lanarkshire, our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff.

With the rise in case numbers, and the current challenges for healthcare services, which includes pressure on hospital, primary care and community services across Lanarkshire, we have taken the decision to move back to one designated visitor per day.  The designated visitor can change from day to day but must be the same visitor attending the daily 45 minutes visiting slots.

This will allow us to manage the environment and maintain physical distancing within multi-occupancy rooms within inpatient areas and also across the communal areas.

‘Essential visiting’ has been and will continue to be supported with staff taking a compassionate person centred approach for each individual patient.

Trudi Marshall, Nurse Director said:  “We understand that patients in hospital are having a challenging time and want to have their family and friends around them for support.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in the number of Covid patients in our hospitals, 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 have one dedicated visitor each day.

“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.

“However, we will review this regularly and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will expand visiting again by prioritising access for those closest to the patient and removing the very limiting time restrictions currently in place.

“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/