NHS Tayside closing hospital doors to visitors

It's also postponing all non-urgent procedures and operations from Monday 23rd March, because of coronavirus.

Author: Greg OckrimPublished 19th Mar 2020

It's the latest measure put in place to protect the most vulnerable.

Similar measures have been put in place in care homes, but this would see the suspension of all visiting times for inpatient wards in all hospitals across Tayside.

It's to limit the spread of COVID-19 to protect staff and patients.

Visiting will continue in some circumstances; for patients receiving end-of-life care or partners during childbirth.

NHS Tayside’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Claire Pearce, said: “We understand that suspending visiting will impact on families and patients and we know that not being able to visit family members whilst they are in hospital may be upsetting.

"We hope that they will understand that we have made this very difficult decision in the best interests of our patients.

The health board also announced all non-urgent procedures and operations are being postponed from Monday 23rd March.

Patients are being reassured that urgent and cancer activity will continue.

Chief executive of NHS Tayside released a video statement, you can watch it below:

NHS Tayside Medical Director Professor Peter Stonebridge said, “In light of the latest advice, we have taken the decision to postpone non-urgent operations and appointments.

“We hope people understand why we have had to do this as our clinical teams and support staff gear up for the challenges ahead.

“Patients will be contacted directly to inform them of the changes to their appointment.”

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