New visiting arrangements in Western Isles hospitals from today

NHS Western Isles is introducing new visiting arrangements in all Western Isles hospitals from today (Tuesday).  

The new arrangements, which apply to Western Isles Hospital on Lewis, Uist and Barra Hospital on Benbecula, and St Brendan’s Hospital on Barra, mean that all patients will be permitted one visit every day from one designated visitor (or two designated visitors in the same visiting slot from the same household). The designated visitor/s identified will be for the duration of the inpatient stay, and can only be changed in exceptional circumstances.  

Each visiting slot will be 30 minutes and visiting times are 1.30pm – 4.30pm and 6pm – 7.30pm. 

In addition to the above, Essential Visiting for those inpatients who require more frequent visits will continue to be arranged as required, without restrictions on the number of visits or visitors (subject to ward conditions and availability). Essential visits can be arranged for a range of situations including a birth partner supporting a woman during hospital visits; a person receiving end-of-life care; to support someone with a mental health issue; or dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed; or to accompany a child in hospital. 

All visits (including Essential Visits) must be booked in advance by contacting the hospital switchboard on 01851 704704.  

Visiting will be subject to availability and ward conditions, and dependent on each patient’s individual preferences and wishes. The current arrangements will be subject to ongoing review.  

Whilst visiting arrangements have been relaxed, the above visiting restrictions remain in place to protect our healthcare services.  

Whilst our hospitals continue to be busy, and the COVID-19 transmission risk remains where physical distancing is challenging, NHS Western Isles will continue to take steps to mitigate, as far as possible, risks in busy ward areas.  

We would however stress to visitors and patients that transmission risks are ever-present and visitors must risk assess their own visits and ensure that they have taken every possible precaution to protect inpatients – many of whom are at increased risk of more serious illness if they contracted COVID-19. This includes ensuring that you take LFD tests before every visit, carefully observing safety precautions (including wearing face masks in public places, keeping gatherings with other households as small as possible; washing your hands regularly; and covering your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing).  

NHS Western Isles will continue to strictly enforce infection prevention and control requirements for all visitors, including the use of hand sanitizer, wearing clinical face masks provided at the front door (or additional Personal Protective Equipment – PPE on request) and physical distancing. 

A detailed information leaflet with further information on hospital visiting at Western Isles Hospital will be available shortly.