New visiting arrangements at Western Isles hospitals

NHS Western Isles Hospital Visiting Tier 1 guide

New visiting arrangements will be in place from today (November 2) at hospitals across the Western Isles.

The Western Isles has been placed in Protection Level 1, which means that inpatients can now nominate up to two designated visitors to visit them for the duration of their stay in hospital. Arrangements for essential visiting, for those who fall into this category, will also continue.

A designated visitor is someone chosen by the patient to be their named visitor. This may be their spouse, next of kin or friend. It is recommended that one of the designated visitors is also the main contact for communication. Please note that you can only be the designated visitor for one patient, and you must only visit that one patient whilst you are in the hospital within your allocated slot.

If physical distancing is possible, two designated visitors may visit the patient at the same time. If it is not possible to maintain physical distancing for two visitors at the same time, each designated visitor can visit separately.

Visiting will be arranged via the NHS Western Isles Visiting Coordinator. Visiting will be by pre-arranged appointment only to ensure the number of people in clinical areas is kept to a minimum at any one time. Those patients who require essential visitors (for example children, those with a learning disability or anyone in High Dependency) will be able to do so.

Until further notice, visits will be limited to half an hour to ensure all patients have the opportunity to receive visits, and to permit the necessary cleaning between visits.

An NHS Western Isles spokesperson said: “To protect our patients and staff, it is important that you do not visit if you have been feeling unwell in any way, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been self isolating, or have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19. For this reason, a Visiting Coordinator will conduct a wellness check with you over the phone prior to arranging your visit.

“It is essential that you arrive at the hospital main entrance at your allocated visiting time, and you will be required to use the hand sanitizer and wear a face mask or face covering on entry. Face masks (provided) must be worn in clinical areas. You will either be escorted or directed to the ward you are visiting. It is also important that you maintain the appropriate distance of two metres wherever possible, even if the patient you are visiting has previously been in your household or social bubble.”

NHS Western Isles would also point out that Virtual Visiting remains in place as an option to visit friends/relatives in all our hospitals. 

If you have been selected as a Designated Visitor by a patient in hospital, our Visiting Coordinator will be in touch with you.