NHS Ayrshire and Arran has suspended visiting times at all of their hospitals from midnight tonight.
The move comes as the healthboard tries to limit the spread of coronavirus in the region.
Dr Crawford McGuffie, medical director, said: “To limit the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our most vulnerable patients and ensure the safety of our staff, we are suspending visiting indefinitely from midnight on Tuesday 24 of March.
“We know this will be difficult for our patients and their families. However, we need to keep our patients and staff safe.”
Suspended visiting will be applied to all hospitals across NHS Ayrshire & Arran with the exception of the neonatal unit, maternity services and children’s ward, which will be restricted to the following:
Maternity inpatient ward, labour ward and maternity theatres – One visitor/birthing partner is permitted and must remain within the maternity area at all times. No overnight stay permitted.
Maternity outpatient services, including scans: no visitors permitted. Women to attend alone and may take a short video of their scan at the end of their appointment.
Neonatal/Special Care Baby Unit: Only parents are permitted to visit and should remain with the child at all times.
Children’s Ward: Only one carer permitted to visit and should remain with the child at all times.
Health chiefs say the best way to protect yourself and others against coronavirus (COVID-19) is to wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel, regularly throughout the day.
For the latest health and travel advice, visit here.
