VISITING rules have changed at a number of Glasgow hospitals following the easing of some Covid restrictions. 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has announced that from 8am tomorrow, inpatients across all hospitals will be able to have at least one visitor at a time. 

Family members or friends will be able to visit two at a time in some hospitals, and all mental health and maternity wards, though for the time being there are some facilities that will still only allow one visitor at a time. 

The changes come following a decrease in the number of cased of Covid-19 in the community, and are in line with the national easing of restrictions. 

At the following hospitals, inpatients will be able to have two visitors at a time and the visitors can change;

  • Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • Gartnavel General Hospital
  • New Victoria Hospital
  • Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
  • Royal Hospital for Children
  • Burns and plastics wars at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary
  • All mental health wards
  • All maternity wards

At the following hospitals, inpatients will only be able to have one visitor at a time, though the visitor can change;

  • Glasgow Royal Infirmary
  • Stobhill Ambulatory Care Hospital
  • Royal Alexandra Hospital
  • Lightburn Hospital
  • Vale of Leven Hospital
  • Inverclyde Roya Hospital

NHSGGC has said that in wards where a Covid-19 outbreak is being managed, essential visiting may still be reintroduced on a temporary basis. 

For high-risk patients, viewing arrangements will continue to be discussed as part of individual risk assessments. 

Those visiting are reminded people in hospital are particularly vulnerable to the effects of infection and the following safety measures will remain in place; 

  • Contact the ward in advance to discuss arrangements
  • Consider the potential risk visiting may bring to patients, family members and staff
  • Take a Lateral Flow Test a maximum of 24 hours before visiting
  • It is strongly recommended to wear a facemask throughout your visit, unless exempt
  • Use hand gel on arrival, departure and when you come into contact with surfaces
  • Keep two metres distance where possible
  • Do not visit if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or are isolating due to contact with a person with Covid

Jennifer Rodgers, deputy nurse director at NHSGGC, said: "We know how important it is for people in hospital to have support from the people who matter most to them.

"The move to restrict visiting was only ever temporary and in light of the reducing impact of COVID-19 in the community and on our hospitals, we’ve worked as quickly as possible to welcome increased support and presence from family members in our hospitals.

"We are delighted to welcome visitors back to all our hospital wards.

"While the news is welcomed, we would ask visitors to remain cautious and follow all the safety measures and guidance described above and on the NHSGGC website under the visiting pages."

Angela Wallace, executive nurse director at NHSGGC, added: "We would like to thank our patients and the public for their patience and understanding during this difficult and challenging time.

"We continue to monitor the situation and where it’s safe and appropriate to do so, we will look to further ease visiting restrictions as we work towards moving back to full person centred visiting."

You can find the full details of the changes HERE.