Temporary restrictions at Western Isles Hospital 

As a result of a small number of cases of COVID-19 linked to two wards in Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, a decision has been taken to temporarily re-introduce some restrictions to preserve services and help protect patients and staff. 

Across Western Isles Hospital, visiting restrictions will be implemented with immediate effect until further notice. 

• 1 designated visitor will be permitted for one visit a day for each inpatient (patients should identify a designated visitor but visits do not have to be booked in advance: full details at www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/i-am-a-visitor/welcome/

• In addition to 1 designated visitor for each patient, essential visiting for patients who require more frequent visits will continue 
   
• Visitors will be asked to wear face masks during visits and are requested not to visit if they have any symptoms or feel unwell. 

Following a small number of positive cases of COVID-19 linked to Medical Ward 1, the ward was closed to medical admissions on August 13 until further notice (with the exception of patients requiring admission to the High Dependency Unit and paediatric patients).   A small number of cases of COVID-19 have also now been identified in an area of Medical Ward 2. Movement into that specific area is now restricted. Medical 2 remains open to admissions.  

NHS Western Isles apologises for the inconvenience and disappointment as a result of these temporary arrangements. This decision, however, has not been taken lightly and it is considered necessary to help protect patients and preserve services. These temporary measures will be subject to continuous review and will be lifted as soon as it is considered safe to do so.