Health / Hospital visiting restrictions lifted
Meanwhile delivery of flu vaccines has been delayed this week
NHS Shetland says visiting restrictions at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick have now been lifted.
Last week the health board said visits had been temporarily limited due to high volumes of respiratory illness in the community.
NHS Shetland had said that visitors would be asked to wear personal protective equipment, such as masks, when entering wards.
But the restrictions have been lifted today (Friday).
NHS Shetland said: “We would like to thank all patients and visitors for their understanding and co-operation while these necessary measures were in place.
“As a reminder, if you are planning to visit a loved one and have any cold or flu-like symptoms, please wait until you are feeling fully well.
“If you have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea, please ensure at least 48 hours have passed before visiting. Thank you for helping us keep our patients, staff, and community safe.”
Meanwhile NHS Shetland said due to recent adverse weather, there has been a delay in the delivery of the flu vaccine to Shetland this week.
As a result, flu vaccinations at the Grantfield Vaccination Clinic today (Friday) and Monday will be offered only to people aged 65 and over, including both those with scheduled appointments and those wishing to attend on a drop-in basis.
Anyone under the age of 65 who is eligible for the flu vaccine and has an appointment booked for today or Monday is asked to contact the vaccination team to rearrange their appointment, or to attend a drop-in session later next week once supplies have been replenished.
NHS Shetland said: “We apologise for the inconvenience and the short notice.
“These temporary changes are necessary to ensure vaccine supplies are available until the delayed delivery arrives. We expect our scheduled delivery to reach us early next week, and we will issue further updates as soon as the situation is confirmed.
“You can contact the vaccination team via email Shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot and 01595 743 319 (answerphone service available)”
More information about the flu vaccine can be found on the NHS Inform website.
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