Hospital visits in Aberdeenshire and Moray – ‘Flow before you go’
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People seeing relatives or friends in hospital are being reminded of the importance of taking a lateral flow test before every visit.
NHS Grampian is continuing to allow patients up to two visitors a day, as long as the visits are arranged beforehand with ward staff.
Although in certain cases the number may be cut to one due to the the layout of a ward.
However medical staff are urging visitors to comply with the safety protocol.
Senior nurse Lyn Pirie said: "We know how important it is for people in hospital to maintain contact with loved ones and we will support that wherever possible.
"We need the general public to work with us and take an LFD test before every visit.
"If it is positive, they must start self-isolation and book a PCR test.
"While Covid-19 is obviously a significant concern, we need visitors to remember other illnesses are out there.
"If they are suffering from colds, flu, or norovirus, the last thing they should do is visit someone in hospital, as their immune systems will be weaker.
Nurse Pirie added: "We know there will be emergencies where it is neither possible nor practical to take a test before coming into hospital.
"We are not making a negative test result a condition of entry for hospital visitors.
"What we are doing is urging the public, in the strongest possible terms, to pick up a test kit and carry out a test before every hospital visit."
Hospital visitors are also asked to use a fluid repellent surgical mask instead of a fabric face covering.
These masks are available at every hospital entrance.
They are single-use and should be disposed of on leaving the building.
Hand hygiene should also be undertaken regularly during hospital visits, using water and soap or hand gel as appropriate.
In addition, visitors should not touch any medical equipment or sit on the beds.
