Welcome

Please do not visit a patient in hospital if you feel unwell or have any COVID-19, Flu or Norovirus symptoms.

What are the current arrangements for COVID Wards (Erisort) or Wards with a COVID-19 Outbreak:

• 1 designated visitor for one visit a day for each inpatient (see definition below).
• Essential visiting for patients who require more frequent visits (see definition below).

COVID contact wards:

• 1 designated visitor for one visit a day for each inpatient (see definition below).
• Essential visiting for patients who require more frequent visits (see definition below).

If you are feeling unwell, you should not attend the hospital (see checklist below). You should contact the Ward Nurse in Charge who will advise the patient that you are unable to attend.

• Are you feeling unwell, or do you have respiratory symptoms?
• Do you have a new/continuous cough or breathlessness?
• Have you had any sickness or diarrhoea within the last 48 hours?
• Have you noticed a change in your temperature?
• Have you noticed a change to your normal sense of taste or smell?
• Are you a close contact of anyone suspected as having, or that has tested positive for coronavirus, in the past 10 days?

• NHS Western Isles Board policy is that if you choose to wear a face mask you will not be permitted to wear your own face mask or face covering on our hospital premises. You must use the face mask provided on entry to the hospital (unless you are medically exempt). You will be refused entry if you do not adhere to hospital protocol.
• Use hand sanitizer on arrival at the hospital and again on arrival at the ward or department. Ensure you use hand sanitizer frequently during the time you are in the ward, especially if you touch anything or anyone.
• You must move directly to the clinical area where the visit is to take place. You must not gather or linger in communal areas of the hospital.
• Only use toilet facilities provided for members of the public, not patient or staff toilets.
• If you cough or sneeze, make sure you follow good hygiene practice (cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow – or into a tissue and dispose of the tissue). You should sanitize your hands again.
•  If wearing a face mask, please follow safe disposal guidance on the removal of your face mask. You must use hand sanitizer at the main exit prior to leaving the hospital, and you should wash your hands when you arrive home.

Virtual Visiting – Virtual Visiting continues to be offered and is an alternative option to visiting face-to face. This service is supported by our staff and we would encourage visitors to keep in touch with family, friends and loved ones via virtual visits. If you would like to video call your friend or family member, or for further information, please telephone 01851 704704.

What is an Essential Visitor?

Essential Visiting describes situations when it is very important for a relative/friend to be allowed to see a patient. Examples of this include:

• a parent accompanying a child;
• in maternity settings, partners or birth partners being able to attend ante-natal, clinic or scan appointments with their partner;
• when someone has reached the end of their life, has an immediately life-threatening illness, when someone is receiving difficult news, or similar situations;
• when people have an acute mental health issue; or
• anyone with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.

What if I’m anxious about visiting a hospital setting?

NHS Western Isles offers Virtual Visiting which can be an alternative solution for those who are anxious or may experience other issues e.g.: transport difficulties, work/family commitments, etc. We ask that, where possible, the patient is provided with a laptop/tablet or mobile phone. However, there are range of devices available and Virtual Visiting can be arranged by ward staff.

If you would like to video call your friend or family member, or for further information, please telephone 01851 704704.

What if my relative wants to cuddle or touch me?

Providing comfort to a patient is an important part of their recovery, however, when patients are in hospital they are often more susceptive to picking up infections from the community so it is imperative that we work together to protect patients whilst in hospital, and reasonable precautions are taken such as following good hand hygiene ad ensuring that you do not visit whilst unwell.

What if my relative wants to walk around with me or go to the hospital dining room?

It is important to us that patients do not become deconditioned and remain as physically active as safely as possible. The hospital dining room is open to patients and visitors. However, we would request that patients and relatives do not visit between wards to reduce the risk of cross contamination and infection. There is access to outside spaces within the hospital gardens which is open to patients and their visitors.

What if I don’t feel able to visit my relative?

Feeling anxious or nervous about coming into a hospital is a normal response. Speak to the care team if you are worried and they will be able to advise you regarding the availability of virtual visiting.

For further information about visiting contact the Senior Charge Nurse of the ward you intend visiting.

For further information about coronavirus visit NHS Inform website at: www.nhsinform.scot or call NHS 24 on 111.