VISITORS will no longer need to book an appointment to see their loved ones at three NHS Lanarkshire hospitals. 

Appointments will not be required for those going to see people in acute inpatient wards at University Hospital Hairmyres, University Hospital Monklands and University Hospital Wishaw.

The new arrangements came into effect this week and up to two visitors at a time can visit together. 

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However, while there is now no need to arrange a time to visit, hospital staff will be advising on visiting times throughout the day for each individual award to minimise the number of people attending at one time. 

Essential visiting will remain in place in ward areas or settings where visiting is made difficult due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing or where there is an active outbreak.

Visitors will need to have a negative lateral flow test (LFT) before attending and they will be asked by staff to confirm they have taken a test. 

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Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing Services, said: "We have been reviewing our visiting restrictions regularly and are now in a position to be able to allow up to two visitors at a time to visit their loved ones without the need for appointments.

"However, while the majority of our patients will be able to have two visitors there are some restrictions which we need to maintain in areas where space is confined or we have an outbreak and patient safety is paramount.

"Visitors are also reminded to wear face coverings at all times and frequently wash their hands when entering and leaving clinical areas."

The following safety measures will be in place;

  • A lateral flow test must be undertaken and a negative result verbally confirmed to ward staff
  • No visits should take place if the visitor has symptoms of Covid-19, or is quarantining because they have had contact with a person with Covid-19.
  • Face coverings must be worn, and existing hand hygiene measures will continue.
  • Movement around other areas must be limited as much as possible and communal gatherings in public areas of the hospital must be avoided.