Wards re-opened to admissions

Medical Ward 2 and Surgical Ward in Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway have reopened to new admissions.  

The wards had been temporarily closed to new admissions as a number of positive cases of COVID-19 had been linked to them both. 

Visiting arrangements have also been relaxed so that all patients will be permitted one visit every day from two visitors whilst in hospital. The visitors no longer have to be designated for the duration of a patient’s stay, so patients can now have different visitors on different days.  There is no longer a requirement for visitors to be from the same household.

Exceptions to the above arrangements include:

• * Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19/in COVID Wards will normally be permitted one Designated Visitor a day (subject to change, depending on ward conditions at the time).
• * Patients in a ward or area with a COVID outbreak will normally be permitted one Designated Visitor a day (subject to change, depending on ward conditions at the time).

All visits must continue to be booked in advance. Each visiting slot will be 30 minutes and visiting times are 1.30pm – 4.30pm and 6pm – 7.30pm.

All visitors are reminded to please ensure that they take a Lateral Flow Device test before visiting hospital. Test kits can be ordered online at Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or by calling 119. Please do not visit under any circumstances if you develop symptoms.  

Patients who had procedures or appointments cancelled will be contacted directly to confirm new arrangements.