New visiting arrangements at Western Isles Hospitals

From today (Friday 21^st May), hospital patients in the Western Isles will be able to have visits from two named visitors during their inpatient stay. 

The move is in line with national hospital visiting restrictions easing following the welcome news that the Western Isles moved to Protection Level 1 

Visiting is currently arranged by pre-arranged appointments only and to book, named visitors should contact the Ward direct.  Pre-arranged appointments ensure clinical safety and physical distancing measures are followed at all times. 

Visitors will be required to wear clinical face masks (provided at the hospital front door) and observe physical distancing in any communal areas. Effective hand hygiene will remain crucial to protect patients, visitors and staff alike. 

If the two named visitors are from the same household, they will be able to visit the patient at the same time. However, if the two named visitors are from different households, they must visit at different times.  Visitors are reminded that they are not permitted to visit any other patients during their visiting slot. 

A useful infosheet has been produced providing detailed guidance to visitors and this can be accessed via the local NHS Western Isles website (I am a Visitor section) at: www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk  

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the twice-weekly Universal Lateral Flow COVID-19 testing scheme, to help protect our patients and staff as visiting restrictions are relaxed. Testing is however not mandatory. Test kits can be ordered at: https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/order-lateral-flow-kits/condition  

Virtual Visiting continues to be offered and is an alternative solution to visiting face-to-face.  If you would like to video call your friend or family member, or for further information, please telephone 01851 708205. 

Finally, please remember that if you are self-isolating or have symptoms of COVID-19 you must not visit.  Instead, you must self-isolate and book a test.