Change to NHS Lanarkshire hospital visiting restrictions

Patients at NHS Lanarkshire hospitals can now have two visits a day with up to two visitors each time.

It follows updated guidance from the Scottish Government.

The new arrangements come into effect from Christmas Eve, but there will still be restrictions on certain ward areas, in which case a named person will be permitted to visit, where possible.

Appointments are still needed, and visitors will have to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test.

NHS Lanarkshire nurse director Susan Friel said: “We have reviewed our essential visiting restrictions and are now in a position to be able to accommodate two visits a day with no more than two visitors at each visit for patients.

“We know that this will bring some comfort to our patients who may not have been able to see loved ones over the last couple of weeks. This will provide those patients in hospital with the vital support they need from family, carers or friends.

“However, while the majority of our patients will be able to have visitors, there are some restrictions which we need to maintain in areas where space is confined or we have an outbreak and patient safety is paramount.

“While visitors can now have close contact with their loved one, they are reminded to adhere to physical distancing in communal areas of the hospital, wear face coverings at all times and frequently wash their hands when entering and leaving clinical areas.”

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