A MATERNITY unit has reduced visiting times after staff have been facing 'severe' abuse.

Midwives across NHS Lanarkshire are urging visitors to the ward to be more respectful as they have been dealing with verbal abuse.

In one instance, staff were chased from a ward by a family member who refused to leave. 

As a result, senior midwives have taken the decision to reduce the second visitor to two hours per day and by appointment only. 

Cheryl Clark, NHS Lanarkshire chief midwife said: “We have worked tirelessly to get visiting back to what our parents and families want.

“However, over the last few months, the level of verbal abuse being directed at our staff in the maternity unit at University Hospital Wishaw has continued to rise. 

“Our staff are being subject to vile language and abuse and in one instance staff were chased out a ward by family members not willing to leave.

“This not only affecting the staff but also having a negative impact on the care we strive to deliver at all times. 

"To stop this abuse, one of the measures we are taking is that the second visitor will now only be able to attend by prior appointment and for a maximum of two hours."

READ MORE: Brand new development of three-bedroom houses unveiled in Glasgow

The move comes after midwives have been crying during shifts and going on sick leave as the abusive treatment has impacted their mental health. 

NHS bosses have also upped security measures in the units to protect their staff. 

Ms Clark added: “This was an extremely difficult decision but the result of the abuse means our staff are going off sick, crying on shift and it is affecting their mental health. 

"It is sad to say that we have also increased security measures to ensure the safety of our staff and other families.

“I make a personal plea to all visitors and patients to our maternity unity - please be kind, please be compassionate and please be respectful to our staff and other families.”