More NHS Grampian hospital wards to return to person-centred visiting
From Wednesday, April 20, more hospitals and wards across NHS Grampian will move to person-centred visiting.
This means in these clinical areas there will be opportunity for patients to have an increase in the number of visitors they have on any given day. What this means on an individual basis will be a discussion with the patient and the clinical team taking care of them.
This will include consideration of the environment of the clinical setting and the number of people that can be safely accommodated within the area.
The extension of the visiting trial means the following wards/hospitals are now offering person-centred visiting -
Wards 102, 109, 112, and 114, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Paediatrics – RACH and Dr Gray’s Hospital.
Ward 4, Dr Gray’s Hospital.
Roxburghe House.
Woodend Hospital (all wards).
Rosewell House.
All Aberdeenshire Community Hospitals.
Muirton ward, Seafield Community Hospital, Buckie.
Lyn Pirie, Nurse Lead for Person-Centred Visiting, said: “The benefits of in-person visiting for both patients and their relatives are well known.
"I am delighted the trial extension we began in early March has gone so well and that additional wards and hospitals are moving to person-centred visiting.
"I must stress how important it is for relatives or friends to discuss any changes to their plans with the Senior Charge Nurse before making those changes.
"If anyone has a loved one being cared for in one of the areas not listed, they must continue to follow the current arrangements of no more than two visitors daily.
“I want to say a big ‘thank-you’ to the people of Grampian for their support and understanding as we work to fully reinstate person-centred visiting.”
All visitors are reminded of the part they have to play in minimising the risk from Covid-19 – and other infections.
They should not visit if they are at all unwell.
This includes things like vomiting and/or diarrhoea, as well as the symptoms of any respiratory infection (coughing, sneezing, fever, sore throat, muscle aches).
Fluid Repellent Surgical Masks are available at the entrances to all hospitals, and these should be used instead of fabric face coverings.
Frequent hand hygiene should be carried out, either with hand gel or water and soap.
If visitors are asked to wait before entering the bay/room in the clinical ward, staff ask them to do safely and minimise any congregating at entrances.