Visiting changes easedat hospitals
At least two people from the same household will now be able to visit their loved one in hospital at the same time.
From Monday, NHS Ayrshire & Arran moved to level one visiting as described in the national Covid-19 visiting guidance for hospitals in Scotland.
Patients will now be able to welcome at least two visitors from the same household at the same time, where possible.
If the visitors are not from the same household and physical distancing cannot be maintained, visits can take place separately.
Jenny Wilson, interim nurse director, said: “The pandemic has created an unprecedented situation, which meant we had to introduce restrictions on visiting our hospitals.
“We know this has had a significant impact on patients and their loved ones, as well as our staff.
“The importance of support from family and friends to those in hospital cannot be overstated.
“Having a visitor brings comfort to both the person in hospital and to the person visiting. And so having these necessary restrictions was difficult for everyone.
“As restrictions ease in our communities, we are now able to look at lifting some of those restrictions.
“However, we need to minimise any risk and ensure we do what we can to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in the hospital environment.
“The removal of any visiting restrictions must take place in a measured and gradual manner and may be subject to change without notice due to a variety of factors, such as a local outbreak or rising community prevalence.”
Information on the new visiting arrangements can be found at www.nhsaaa.net or by speaking to ward staff.
Information leaflets will be available. Information on visiting Ayrshire Maternity Unit is also available on the website.
Jenny Wilson adds: “Our staff will aim to support visits that meet the needs of the patient and their loved ones, while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of everyone.
“And so, please be patient with us. Our staff need to consider a number of factors when arranging visits.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been in hospital, as well as those who have wanted to visit them, for their patience and understanding at this time.”