Essential visitors only are being allowed into University Hospital Wishaw to ensure patient safety.
The move follows a sharp rise in the number of cases of Omicron in the community over the last few weeks.
NHS Lanarkshire confirmed it had taken the “difficult decision” to introduce the changes yesterday to limit numbers as the hospital is experiencing “continued pressure”.
While acknowledging the positive impact that loved ones visiting those in hospital can have, the health board reiterated that keeping patients and staff as safe as possible is its priority.
The latest access restriction at Wishaw’s hospital means that only patients who would be distressed or suffer by not seeing a family member will be allowed a visitor.
Visiting at NHS Lanarkshire’s other two acute hospitals Monklands and Hairmyres is also restricted to one visit from one person in a bid to stem the spread of the new Covid-19 variant. The situation is being monitored and reviewed on a daily basis.
NHS Lanarkshire nurse director Susan Friel said: “We understand that patients in hospital are having a challenging time and want to have their family and friends around them for support.
“Unfortunately, it is our priority to protect our patients and staff as much as is possible and this is why we have made the difficult decision to limit visiting at this time. However, this is being review daily and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will be expanding visiting by prioritising access for those closest to the patient.
“We recognise that essential visits, which only permit visits to patients where not seeing a family member would cause particular distress or suffering, is not ideal but necessary for the time being.
“Anyone with questions about visiting arrangements should speak to the nurse in charge of the ward.
“We would also strongly encourage all essential 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.”
As well as lateral flow tests and a negative result, other conditions visitors are being asked to comply with are physical distancing in all communal areas of the hospital, and face coverings must be worn. Existing hand hygiene measures also remain in place.
People are also being reminded that no visits should take place if the visitor has symptoms of Covid-19, or is quarantining because they have had contact with a person with Covid-19.
The health board only recently announced that visiting was being reintroduced at Lanarkshire’s three hospitals following updated Scottish Government guidance.
Information on how to obtain a Lateral Flow Test and how to take the test is available by visiting: www.nhsinform.scot
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