Hospital visits restricted due to high volumes of respiratory illness

HOSPITAL visits are set to be temporarily limited due to high volumes of respiratory illness in the community.

NHS Shetland said visitors would be asked to wear personal protective equipment, such as masks, when entering wards.

It added this was “necessary to protect our patients, staff, and visitors.”

“Please contact the ward before making any visit by telephoning 01595 743000.

“This step is not required if you have already agreed visiting arrangements with ward staff, e.g., you areproviding family support to a patient whilst they are in hospital.”

The health service said it was aware this was a “short notice” announcement, but said the Gilbert Bain Hospital was very busy and they needed to protect all of their patients.

“In order to ensure that we can meet the needs of all patients in hospital and provide the right care environment, there may be times when we will need to move patients between bays and possibly also between wards,” NHS Shetland said.

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“We will keep patients informed of the moves if they are needed and limit this as much as possible.

“If you are planning to visit a loved one but have any cold or flu-like symptoms, please wait until you are feeling well. If you have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea, please wait until at least 48 hours have passed before visiting anyone.”