NHS Tayside hospital visiting update
Written by Malcolm Finlayson on 09/06/2022
Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across Scotland, NHS Tayside has updated its guidance for visiting patients in hospital. With the exception of a small number of services, visitors will no longer have to book an appointment before visiting inpatient wards.
From Friday, 10 June, visitors will no longer need to make an appointment before visiting, however visitors are being encouraged to discuss arrangements with the Senior Charge Nurse/Midwife to ensure all visits can be safely accommodated.
There may be some circumstances where it is still not safe for a patient to have a visitor; if this is the case, we will tell you why and keep it under review where possible.
Appointments are still required in the following service areas:
- Oncology
- Haematology
- Renal
The following measures are in place to manage patient visiting safely:
- Visitors are recommended to take a lateral flow test before visiting anyone in hospital. Visitors can order their tests online or by calling 119.
- Visitors may touch loved ones, however are reminded that maintaining 1 metre or more distancing will reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
- No visit will be permitted if a visitor is unwell, has symptoms of COVID-19, or is currently in isolation.
- Visitors must wear a fluid resistant face mask at all times. Masks are provided at our hospital entrances.
- Wash your hands frequently and use the alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Movement around the hospital must be limited as much as possible and any gathering in public areas of the hospital must be avoided.
- Public toilet facilities are open.
Maternity and neonatal services visiting arrangements:
- All visitors should use an LFD test ahead of visiting and have received a negative result.
- Pregnant women may identify one support person to accompany them to all scans and antenatal appointments.
- Pregnant women may identify one birth partner to accompany them throughout labour and birth. A second birth partner may also attend – please speak to your midwife to arrange.
- All birth partners should use a LFD test prior to attending in labour and have received a negative result.
- Women may identify one support person to visit on the postnatal ward at any time.
- Any additional visitors are welcome to visit the postnatal ward between 1pm and 6pm with no more than two people per woman at any one time (includes essential birth partner).
- One sibling per day is welcome to visit their new brother or sister on the postnatal ward
- In neonatal units, both parents are welcome to be with baby at any time. Two additional visitors may be permitted to visit, following local risk assessment.
- Only one sibling can visit per day unless under exceptional circumstances in the neonatal unit.
- Please speak to the neonatal nursing team to discuss arrangements.
If anyone has any questions about visiting arrangements they should speak to the nurse in charge of the ward.
Patients should continue to attend hospital for outpatient clinic appointments and for planned procedures. However, if you have an appointment at one of our clinics or departments, please attend alone. The exception to this is for children and vulnerable adults, who can be accompanied by one essential person.