NHS Lanarkshire is temporarily opening new wards to increase the health board's capacity to treat coronavirus patients as they get ready for "an unprecedented level of demand".
Patients who are currently in care of the elderly wards at University Hospital Wishaw will be transferred to facilities at Udston Hospital in Hamilton in order to allow beds in the acute hospital to be used for those with Covid-19.
Maureen Dobbin, who is clinical nurse manager at the Wishaw hospital, said: “The aim is to create extra capacity to help us accommodate people who require treatment and care due to coronavirus.
“We are anticipating an unprecedented level of demand for acute hospital beds, and this is part of our preparations.”
The health board's current no-visiting policy, in place at all Lanarkshire hospitals including Monklands for the past three weeks, remains in place to minimise potential exposure to coronavirus.
Dr Ben Adler, consultant in older people’s medicine, said of the patients' move to the new temporary wards: “Safety and continuity of care are our priorities.
“The same clinical team – consultants, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals – will provide ongoing care from Udston Hospital, and we will provide a seven-day senior review service for patients.
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"We will also be able to deliver enhanced opportunities for rehabilitation therapy in Udston Hospital given the level of support we have received from our physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff.”
