Hospitals Health board ends ban on visitors and scraps social distancing

VISITING times are set to be reinstated and social distancing scrapped at hospitals in Scotland’s biggest health board.

It comes as part of easing restrictions across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) due to the continued downward trend in hospital stays as a result of Covid-19.

The health board says it is not in a position to remove all Covid restrictions but is taking steps to return to pre-pandemic ways of working.

From Monday, social and physical distancing will no longer be required and patients will be able to have a maximum of two different visitors at any one time in hospital.

High-risk patients and wards with Covid outbreaks will still face restrictions.

Visitors will still be required to wear a face covering when moving around public or clinical areas unless they are exempt.

Anne Mcpherson, NHSGGC director of human resources and organisational development, said: “We would like to thank all our staff for their ongoing commitment to their colleagues and patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We hope these changes will be a positive step to support our staff in their day-to-day practice.”