Restrictions on hospital visiting are being reintroduced across Forth Valley amid rising coronavirus cases in the area.
The revised arrangements began on Monday November 8 and are in line with the Level One restrictions previously imposed.
They will apply to Forth Valley Royal Hospital as well as the four local community hospitals, according to NHS Forth Valley.
Patients in adult inpatient wards will still be able to have their single 45 minute visit per day from up to two people.
These should be planned with staff and visitors should preferably be from the same household and visit at the same time.
Meanwhile, pregnant woman will continue to have the support of up to two birthing partners during labour.
They may also have visits to the maternity ward from two designated visitors in addition to a birthing partner following the birth.
Again, these must be arranged in advance with staff and visitors may be asked to visit separately to allow for social distancing.
For babies and children being cared for, both parents or primary care givers will be given maximum access.
Arrangements can also be made with staff for up to two additional visitors but separately to allow for social distancing.
There are no restrictions on the length of visits or number of people who can provide support to patients receiving end of life care.
The new rules can be particularly challenging in wards with open accommodation and four-bedded bays, NHS Forth Valley notes.
NHS Forth Valley’s Nurse Director, Professor Angela Wallace, said: “We know that re-introducing some restrictions on visiting will be disappointing, however we believe this is the safest option at this time as cases of Covid-19 remain widespread and pressures on the entire health and social care system are at an unprecedented level.
“We appreciate the co-operation of our patients and their families during this challenging time and we will monitor and review our local visiting guidance on a regular basis.”
All visitors must wear surgical face masks (blue disposable masks) and use the hand sanitising gel provided before entering.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 or who has been asked to self-isolate for any reason should not visit.
Visitors will also be asked to complete an initial test and protect form for contact tracing purposes.
Further information on visiting arrangements is available on the NHS Forth Valley website and Scottish Government website.
