NHS Tayside is to restrict visiting times at all of the area’s hospitals in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a move announced on Saturday, visits will be restricted from 3-4pm and 7-8pm at all NHS Tayside hospitals.
There will be a maximum of two visitors per patient and families are being discouraged from taking young children to visit patients.
Visitors must also use hand gels when entering and leaving clinical area.
NHS Tayside nurse director, Claire Pearce said: “All of our teams in hospitals want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to minimise the risk of infection to our patients.
“We believe that visitors will understand that this is a very sensible step to take as we manage the evolving coronavirus situation.
“We are asking people to think carefully before coming into any of our hospitals to visit their family members and friends. If they believe their visit to be essential then please stick to the two new visiting sessions of 3pm to 4pm and 7pm to 8pm.”
She added: “A maximum of two visitors per patient is allowed and, again, this is to make sure we are preventing spread of infection as much as we possibly can, and please use the hand gels available before entering and when leaving the clinical areas.
“For those patients in critical care areas and receiving end-of-life care, we would ask that visitors discuss visiting times locally with the senior charge nurse/nurse in charge of the ward.
“Finally, we are asking everyone not to visit our hospitals if they have any flu-like symptoms, a cough, a fever or a cold – or if they generally feel unwell.”
Advice given is:
· The best way to protect yourself and others against coronavirus (COVID-19) is to wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel, regularly throughout the day.
· You should also be sure to catch any cough or sneeze in a tissue, bin it, and wash your hands.
· People should also avoid touching surfaces and then their mouth or eyes.
The Scottish Government announced on Friday that anyone developing symptoms consistent with Covid-19, however mild, should self-isolate for 7 days.
