Patients in NHS Forth Valley area now allowed visitors

Patients in hospitals across Forth Valley, wherever possible, will now be able to have one designated visitor – a family member, friend or guardian – come in and see them.

Visitors then contact the ward to arrange a visit in advance, to help avoid overcrowded and main physical distancing.

An NHS Forth Valley spokesperson said: “It is recognised family and friends play an important role in supporting patients in hospital and arrangements for essential visiting have been in place throughout lockdown.

"These new extended visiting arrangements are designed to help keep patients, families and staff are as safe as possible during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. There may, however, be some circumstances where it is not safe for a patient to have a visitor and if this is the case, a member of staff will explain why visiting is not possible at that time.”

To help keep everyone safe, visitors are also encouraged to have a voluntary Lateral Flow Test prior to visiting and then undertake these tests twice per week for as long as they are named as a designated visitor.

Rapid Lateral Flow tests are now available to everyone in Scotland and can be ordered online or collected from COVID-19 community test centres in the afternoon or early evening.

This is an optional additional safety measure and is not mandatory in order to visit.

Visitors are asked not to bring additional family and friends with them unless they are a carer accompanying a family member or a parent accompanying a child.

When visiting the hospital, all visitors must follow all the hospital’s COVID-19 guideline, including using hand sanitiser provided and always wear a face mask

Visitors must not attend attend if they are unwell, or if they have been advised to self-isolate.

NHS Forth Valley also offers the option of virtual visiting, where family and friends who are unable to visit in person can continue to stay in touch using technology

such as FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.

Staff can provide assistance and arrange access for any patients who do not have their own phone or tablet or have no experience of making or receiving video calls.