Visiting Arrangements

Patients in most hospital wards can have one designated visitor who should arrange a 30min appointment time in advance with the ward to help maintain physical distancing and avoid overcrowding. Visitors will be given a face mask to wear the main entrance and this must be worn throughout the visit. All visitors will also be asked to use hand santiser gel or wash their hands before they enter the hospital and again when they arrive at the ward or department.

For further information and advice see the NHS Forth Valley Visiting Guide and Visiting Poster. A maximum of three visitors will be allowed in a ward at any one time (a maximum of two in any four bedded bays) and appointments will normally last 30mins to help ensure all patients have the opportunity to have a visitor.

Maternity and Neonatal Visiting

Women attending the Maternity Unit can be accompanied by one visitor when attending outpatient appointments, including antenatal appointments and ultrasound scans. Women in labour can be accompanied by a birth partner (as an essential visitor) and a second birth partner if requested, subject to the need to maintain physical distancing wherever possible.

Women can identify one designated visitor who will be able to visit them whilst they are in hospital on either the antenatal or postnatal wards. This is in addition to one birth partner (as an essential visitor).

Where possible, we would ask that you do not bring children with you to the hospital or an outpatient appointment without prior discussion with staff. We also request that no gifts, flowers or balloons etc are brought into the hospital during visiting to limit the risk of transmission.

Further details of the national guidance on maternity and neonatal visiting can be found here.

Face Coverings

All patients and visitors should wear a face covering when they attend hospital in line with national guidance. If you don’t have your own then you will be provided with a face mask to wear however it would be helpful if you could bring your own if possible to help maintain local supplies.

A face covering does not have to be a surgical or other medical grade mask but must be a facial covering of the mouth and nose. Face coverings worn over the mouth and nose may include face mask, protective visor, scarf or any other type of appropriate covering (it will not be acceptable to pull a shirt, blouse, jumper or coat up to try and cover your nose and mouth). If you choose to wear a face visor it must cover the nose and mouth completely.

Hand Sanitiser

There will be hand sanitiser gel stations/dispensers at main entrances and outside wards so please stop and use the alcohol gel to help protect yourself and others.

Avoiding Overcrowding

Please attend appointments on your own to help maintain physical distancing and avoid overcrowding in waiting areas. If you have been driven to the hospital please ask friends or family members to drop you off and return to pick you up later or wait for you in the hospital car park. This is particularly important in the Emergency Department, Outpatient Department, X-ray Department and Minor Injuries Unit as these areas can be very busy.

If you arrive early before your allocated appointment time please wait in your car or outside the hospital, if possible. In some cases you may also be asked to ring the Department you are attending when you arrive at the hospital to ensure there is adequate space in the waiting areas or direct access to the appointment or treatment room (this will be clearly highlighted in your appointment letter or text).

Shops, Toilets & Food Outlets

Shops, toilets and restaurants are not currently open to the public to help reduce the risk of infection and avoid any non-essential visits.