NHSGGC hospitals will now allow ‘at least one visitor at a time’ as Covid restrictions ease

Scotland’s largest health board will now allow inpatients the support of at least one visitor at a time, following the easing of coronavirus restrictions across Scotland.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde announced on Friday that family members or friends can visit their loved ones in pairs, however the ward environment in some hospitals may require people to visit one at a time.

In wards where a coronavirus outbreak is being managed, essential visiting could be reintroduced on a temporary basis to help protect staff, patients and visitors until the situation is resolved.

The health board stated that the easing of visiting restrictions follows a decrease in the spread of Covid-19 in the region, and is in line with the recent easing of restrictions by the Scottish Government.

Patients where there is a particularly high risk of infection will, however, continue to have visiting arrangements discussed as part of individual risk assessments.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary's burns and plastics wards will allow up to two visitors at a time — Glasgow Royal Infirmary’s burns and plastics wards will allow up to two visitors at a time iStock

Jennifer Rodgers, deputy nurse director at NHSGGC, said: “We know how important it is for people in hospital to have support from the people who matter most to them. The move to restrict visiting was only ever temporary and in light of the reducing impact of Covid-19 in the community and on our hospitals, we’ve worked as quickly as possible to welcome increased support and presence from family members in our hospitals.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to all our hospital wards. While the news is welcomed, we would ask visitors to remain cautious and follow all the safety measures and guidance described above and on the NHSGGC website under the visiting pages.”

Angela Wallace, executive nurse director at NHSGGC, added: “We would like to thank our patients and the public for their patience and understanding during this difficult and challenging time. We continue to monitor the situation and where it’s safe and appropriate to do so, we will look to further ease visiting restrictions as we work towards moving back to full person centred visiting.”

Hospitals and wards where up to two visitors are allowed at a time are as follows: