New iPads to facilitate virtual visiting in hospital as restricted visiting continues

NHS Western Isles has received 20 new iPads from Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) to help facilitate virtual visits for patients in hospital. 

These are particularly welcome at a time when restricted indoor visiting arrangements continue in all hospitals in the Western Isles, to help protect local hospital services and to prevent the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to inpatients and staff.   

Each iPad has access to our virtual visiting platform for ease of use which means families can arrange video calls with loved ones over the festive period. 

A virtual visiting appointment can be set up by contacting the hospital reception on 01851 704704.  

In terms of indoor visiting, arrangements are reviewed regularly and, as a result of the current risks associated with the high rate of transmission of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 across Scotland, NHS Western Isles has reluctantly taken the decision today (Thursday) to continue indoor visiting restrictions in all hospitals in the Western Isles until further notice. This is considered necessary to protect both patients and staff in hospital as well as our vulnerable services.   

The restrictions apply to Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, Uist and Barra Hospital in Benbecula and St Brendan’s Hospital in Barra.   

Hospital Dining Rooms are also closed until further notice to members of the public (dining rooms will only be open to NHS staff).   

NHS Western Isles staff will take every step to ensure that alternative visiting options are available to all inpatients at this time, including virtual visiting, outdoor visits and window visits (where appropriate and possible).  

The Board accepts and appreciates that this measure is extremely disappointing for visitors and inpatients, in particular at this time of year, however it is considered necessary in light of the national increase in cases and the risk this presents to our fragile healthcare system in the Western Isles.  

Visiting will continue to be restricted to Essential Visits only until further notice. Those who require Essential Visits are those at End of Life; birth partners; children; patients with acute mental health issues; and those with dementia, learning disabilities or autism. Essential Visitors may visit more than once a day if required, and there is no restriction on the number of Essential Visitors for each inpatient, although they must be immediate family members. Essential visitors must also pre-book visiting slots.   

Essential Visitors are requested to self-test using Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) on a daily basis (and in particular before visiting the hospital) and are urged to carefully observe safety precautions before and between visits to protect themselves from the risks of contracting COVID-19 prior to visits. If symptomatic, you should not visit the hospital, and you should arrange a PCR laboratory test (01851 601151) even if you tested negative on an LFD test.   

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and follows both a predicted surge nationally in cases of COVID-19 and a small number of cases of COVID-19 identified in Western Isles Hospital, which has led to restricted admissions in one of our Medical Wards.   

“We appreciate how disappointing these restrictions will be for members of our community. However, safety, and being able to deliver services, is imperative and we must protect our inpatients and staff, as well as our NHS services in the Western Isles. We will continue to keep the situation under constant review and will update the community as required. We appreciate your understanding in this important safety measure.”    

He added: “We do encourage patients to make use of the option of the virtual visiting service at this time, and our staff are discussing and considering with patients and families where either window or outdoor visits would be an appropriate option for them.”