Visitors asked to wear masks in hospital as cases of flu increase

NHS Western Isles is requesting that all individuals visiting patients in hospitals across the Western Isles wear a face mask. This precautionary measure is being introduced to reduce the risk of infection and safeguard the health of both patients and visitors, in light of the increasing levels of influenza currently circulating within the community.

The decision has also been made to introduce masks into all wards for staff in Western Isles hospitals and for patients in the waiting area of Emergency Departments. This is to help prevent the spread of any acute viral infections within the clinical environment.

As seasonal infections rise, NHS Western Isles is also requesting that anyone with flu-like symptoms or feeling unwell avoids visiting hospital patients and care home residents, to avoid putting vulnerable people and local healthcare services at risk. 

Every year in Scotland, thousands of people are hospitalised with flu. Cases of flu in the Western Isles are now increasing at pace, reflecting the national picture. 

Flu can be serious and life threatening and getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself.  Those with chronic conditions should ensure they are immunised again with this year’s vaccine as it remains the best defence against the virus.

This year’s local flu vaccination programme is already well underway, with those eligible being invited to attend their local clinic (see eligibility criteria at www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/vaccination-service).

However, if you are eligible and have not yet received an appointment, please contact the Western Isles Vaccination helpline on 01851 448 567 (phoneline open Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm) or attend one of our drop-in clinics: www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/vaccination-clinics/  We would also request that if you need to amend or cancel your appointment, to contact the helpline or email wi.vaccination@nhs.scot as soon as possible to ensure your appointment can be offered to another patient.

Useful information on illnesses, symptoms and self-help, including flu and norovirus, is available from NHS Inform at www.nhsinform.scot/symptoms-and-self-help

In addition, NHS Western Isles would like to remind individuals that Virtual Visiting is available, to enable hospital inpatients to keep in touch with friends and family via video call.  The service is available seven days a week between 2pm and 4pm, with iPads made available for patients to receive their video call on.  To arrange a virtual visit or to find out more, please contact the Ward Clerk of the ward that the patient is on.