NHS Lanarkshire continues to face a number of challenges with pressure on hospital services across the region.
That was the warning from one senior health figure as the country moves to Level 0 today (July 19).
And it is this pressure that has seen the health board continue its current visiting restrictions in hospitals for the for the time being.
Nurse director Susan Friel told Lanarkshire Live : “We understand patients in hospital are having a challenging time and want to have their family and friends around them for support.
“As we move towards further restrictions being lifted which will allow more people to come together in their home and in public spaces there may be an expectation that hospitals will allow more visitors.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in the number of COVID patients in our hospitals, particularly in the younger generation, and it is our priority to protect our patients and staff as much as is possible.
“This is why we have made the difficult decision to maintain the current visiting restrictions where every patient in our hospital wards is able to benefit from support and contact with at least one named person of their choosing during their stay.
“However, we are reviewing this regularly and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will be expanding visiting by prioritising access for those closest to the patient and removing the very limiting time restrictions currently in place.
“The named person will be able to have close contact with their loved one, such as holding hands. This will provide those patients in hospital with the vital support they need from family, carers or friends.
“Visiting will continue to be by appointment only and visitors should contact the ward to arrange a time to visit.
“We would also strongly encourage all visitors to carry out a Lateral Flow Test prior to visiting their loved one.
“We hope everyone will understand that this decision has been made in the best interests of patients, other visitors and our staff.”
Further information on visiting is available online.
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