With the increase in coronavirus cases across the country, many are understandably concerned about visiting loved ones who are currently in hospital.
At the beginning of lockdown back in March, restrictions on hospital visits were put in place, however these were relaxed when the number of daily covid cases slowly began to fall.
Nicola Sturgeon made no mention of hospital visits in her lockdown announcement in the Scottish Parliament yesterday afternoon and we wanted to provide clarity on the latest guidance for visiting hospitals in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
According to NHSGGC, the latest measures limiting visits were put in place earlier this month, on September 9.
Restrictions are currently being enforced at the following hospitals:
- Beatson
- Dykebar
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Gartnavel Hospitals
- Leverndale
- Lightburn
- New Victoria Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Royal Hospital for Children
- Stobhill Hospital
- Vale of Leven Hospital
Meanwhile, hospitals not listed above are subject to 'standard visiting arrangements'.
This means that for the majority of hospitals in the Glasgow area, they will admit 'essential visitors only'.
Essential visitors include:
- A family member of those receiving end of life care
- One birthing partner supporting a woman during hospital visits
- Parents of children who are inpatients or attending an outpatient appointment (parents must remain with their children at all times)
- One person to support with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
All arrangements must be made through the nurse in charge of the ward, while children must not visit.
Furthermore, the NHS stress: "it is essential you do not visit if you have a persistent cough, loss of taste or smell, flu like symptoms or fever".
For all the information you need to know on hospital visits in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde region and how it affects you, you can visit the NHS website, here.
