Advice for patients and carers: hospital healthcare appointments

NHS Western Isles would like to remind patients and their carers that Infection Prevention and Control restrictions remain in place at each of its hospital sites, with patients being requested to enter hospital buildings unaccompanied, unless absolutely necessary.

Carers and family are welcome to walk patients to main entrances but, unless critical to patient care, they will then be requested to return to their vehicle to wait for the patient to exit the building.

Anyone attending healthcare appointments must ensure they follow social distancing guidance (maintaining a 2 metre distance from others), and adhere strict hygiene (using hand sanitiser on entry and/or washing their hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds)  to reduce the risk of infection.  

If a patient is experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus (high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to sense of smell or taste ), they must contact their clinician to reschedule their appointment.

Anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms must not attend their GP, pharmacy or hospital.  Instead they are expected to stay at home for 7 days from the start of their symptoms even if they think your symptoms are mild.  All other household members should isolate as a household for 14 days even if they don’t have symptoms themselves. The 14-day period starts from the first day the person had symptoms.

For further information visit: http://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus or contact the local COVID Response Team on 01851 601151 or email: wi-hb.covid19queries@nhs.net