People in Ayrshire have been banned from visiting hospital patients.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran has announced that visits will be scrapped from today, unless they are essential, due to the rise in the new Covid variant Omicron.
The news comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued guidance for people to limit social contact with others over the festive period, – urging indoor household gatherings to be kept to a maximum of three households.
An NHS spokesperson said: “In order to protect our patients, the public and our staff, NHS Ayrshire & Arran has taken the very difficult decision to suspend visiting in our hospitals.
“This means that from Wednesday, December 15, it will be essential visits only.”
Interim nurse director Jennifer Wilson said: “Rising community prevalence of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, and the current demand for hospital services means we must once again restrict visiting to all our hospitals.
“In order to limit the spread and maintain the safety of all our patients and staff, we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend visiting to essential visits only.
“We know how difficult it is to be separated from loved ones, particularly at this time of year.
“But please be assured that all decisions about visiting are made with the safety of the patient and the visitor in mind.
“We will be regularly monitoring the situation and will look forward to welcoming back visitors as soon as it is safe to do so.”
NHS Ayrshire & Arran insists it does not underestimate the impact of social isolation on their patients or the additional anxiety and worry that results from not being able to visit a loved one while they are unwell.
Ward staff will help to reduce this anxiety as much as possible by continuing to support patients and their loved ones to keep in touch during this time with the use of technology.
All inpatient areas have been provided with additional IT equipment to support virtual visiting.
If you would like to arrange a 'virtual visit' (video call) with a friend or family member in one of their hospitals, contact the ward directly to organise a call.
Ms Wilson added: “If you have a visiting appointment arranged at one of our hospitals from Wednesday, December 15 please do not attend, as all appointments have been cancelled with immediate effect.
“We truly appreciate how difficult this will be for our patients and their families, but ask for your co-operation to keep everyone safe.”
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