NHS Forth Valley has implemented restricted visiting across its hospitals and the majority of its inpatient wards to reduce the risk of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) to patients and staff.

• Visiting times will be now be from 2.00pm – 3.00pm and 7.00pm until 8.00pm (with the exception of the Neonatal Unit and Children’s Ward which will continue to have open visiting arrangements but restricted to parents only)
• Visiting is being restricted to two visitors at a time in most wards apart from the Maternity Unit where it is restricted to a single visitor unless there are exceptional circumstances
• Women undergoing labour will be asked to identify a single birthing partner
• Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit
• Anyone feeling unwell, including those with a persistent cough or high temperature should not visit
• In some circumstances we understand it is vital that family and friends will need to be with their loved one and this should be discussed with the senior nurse in charge of the ward.

Prof Angela Wallace, Nurse Director, NHS Forth Valley, said: “We would urge friends and relatives to only visit patients at our hospitals if the visit is absolutely essential however we recognise, that in some circumstances, it is vital that family and friends will need to be with their loved one and this should be discussed with the senior nurse in charge of the ward.

“We would also like to thank all visitors for their co-operation at this time and reassure patients and their families that stringent measures in place to minimise risks around coronavirus (COVID-19) and safety remains our top priority.”

Additional Information

The latest information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on www.nhsinform.scot. A free helpline has also been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general coronavirus (COVID-19) health advice 0800 028 2816. The helpline is open: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday, 8.00am to 6.00pm.