NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to scrap social distancing
From Monday, visiting times will also be reinstated across its hospitals
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is scrapping social distancing across its sites from Monday 23rd May.
As a result of covid cases falling as well as the threat from the virus, visiting times will also be reinstated.
A maximum of two interchangeable visitors at any one time wherever possible.
The only exception to this will be in relation to high risk patients / patient cohorts or on wards with a current, active covid-outbreak.
The health board says people will still be required to wear face coverings in and around its buildings and masks are advised when visiting patients.
Commenting on the operational changes, our Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, Anne MacPherson said:
“We would like to thank all our staff for their ongoing commitment to their colleagues and patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that these changes will be a positive step to support our staff in their day to day practice. Our staff and patient safety remains a priority, which is why although physical distancing will cease, we will continue to ask staff to wear appropriate face coverings while at work.
“Our primary aim is to make sure that all of our staff are well supported during this time of transition and I am pleased that we have also been able to take steps towards enabling more of our staff to work flexibly through our Blended Working Guidance.”
Commenting on the changes to visiting restrictions, NHSGGC Deputy Nurse Director, Jennifer Rodgers said:
“The decision to move to a person centred visiting approach wherever possible across all of our hospitals has been taken due to the decline in COVID positive patients being treated across NHSGGC. Visits from friends and family are an essential part of the recovery process, so being able to allow greater flexibility for visits will be welcomed by staff and patients alike.
“It is really important to remember that we are still living with COVID in our local communities, which is why we are asking that all visitors continue to wear a face covering when visiting their loved ones in hospital and if you do have COVID symptoms, please rearrange your visit. Our staff and patients are looking forward to welcoming more visitors to our hospitals from next week.”