NHS Lothian suspends visiting to stop Covid-19 spreading

Bosses at NHS Lothian have decided to suspend visiting at all of its sites, amid rising numbers of Covid-19 cases across the country.

It means only essential visits will be allowed in specific circumstances, like those receiving end-of-life care or for partners during childbirth.

The health board announced a similar move in late March as the pandemic was first sweeping across Scotland.

Fiona Ireland, Deputy Director of Nursing, NHS Lothian said: “Across Lothian, Scotland and the UK, we are seeing rising levels of COVID-19 within the community.

“We have taken the difficult decision to suspend visiting across our sites to help minimise the risk of transmission, to protect patients, our staff and the wider community, and to manage the increasing pressure on our acute and community sites.”

“I understand that not being able to visit family members while they are in hospital may be upsetting, but I would like to assure the public that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“With higher levels of COVID-19 cases within the community, there is an increased risk that visitors could inadvertently bring COVID-19 into our hospital sites, especially if they are not showing any symptoms.

“This decision will help manage the increasing risks of COVID-19 transmission and protect the safety of your loved ones, our staff and the wider community. I would urge our patients and families to help us by respecting this difficult decision.”

Exceptions to the visiting suspension include:

• For patients receiving end-of-life care

• For patients with mental health issues like dementia

• For inpatients in children’s services

• Those accompanying partners during childbirth.

The health board says it's contacting people who'd previously been designated as visitors to tell them about the changes.

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• NHS Lothian