As Perth and Kinross move into level three Coronavirus restrictions, NHS Tayside is closing their wards to visitors.
The move comes are part of the restrictions coming in place which aim to help suppress the spread of the virus.
NHS Tayside’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Claire Pearce, said, “We understand that suspending visiting will impact on families and patients and we know that not being able to visit family members whilst they are in hospital is distressing for many people.
“However, with all of Tayside now in Level 3 restrictions, it is vital that we follow Scottish Government guidance on hospital visiting and keep our patients, staff and the public safe.”
Wards closing across the Tayside region include:
Arbroath Infirmary
Stracathro Hospital
Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre
Blairgowrie Community Hospital
Pitlochry Community Hospital
Crieff Community Hospital
St Margaret’s Community Hospital
Murray Royal Hospital
And the Strathmartine Centre
This decision follows the closure of wards to visitors in the Perth Royal Infirmary and adult patients in Ninewells Hospital.
Pearce, added: “Where appropriate, we will continue to offer virtual visiting for patients using telephones, tablets and laptops to allow people to keep in touch with their loved ones.”
However, parents can still visit their children at Tayside Children’s Hospital.
One parent can visit with another nominated person allowed to visit separately.
NHS Tayside are still encouraging people to meet them for booked appointments and to make arrangements with them to seek medical help.
Although, they are asking that patients ‘please attend alone’ unless they are vulnerable adults or children who can be accompanied by another person.