Appeal to unwell visitors to stay away from Fife hospital wards to protect patients and staff
Fifers planning to visit loved ones in hospital have been urged to make sure they are free of coughs, colds and other winter viruses.
The appeal comes from NHS Fife after it temporarily closed some wards to new admissions, and restricted visiting.
With temperatures beginning to cool over recent weeks, and with coughs, colds, flu and stomach bugs again beginning to circulate, visitors who feel unwell are being reminded to postpone visiting loved ones in hospital to help prevent viruses being passed to to vulnerable patients, and staff caring for them.
Gillian McAuley, director of nursing, said it was vital visitors only attend if they are well enough to do so.
She said: “Each winter we see an increase in the numbers of people falling ill with colds, flu, as well as stomach bugs like norovirus. This is in addition to COVID, which doesn’t appear to follow the seasonal patterns we see with other viruses.
“For most people things like coughs, colds and stomach bugs can make us feel unwell for a few days, for those in hospital who already vulnerable, these can be much more serious. It’s important that we do all we can to prevent such illnesses from being brought in.”
Visitors should continue to follow infection prevention guidance, including washing hands or using anti-bacterial gel on arrival and when leaving any ward area.
People intending to visit friends and loved ones in hospitals in Fife should avoid doing so if they are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, a cough or a runny nose. Similarly, anyone who has experienced vomiting or diarrhoea should wait 48 hours after the symptoms subside before visiting anyone in hospital.
Where family and other loved ones are unable to visit due to illness, ward staff can support patients to have video calls using phones or tablet computers until their visitors are well enough to attend in-person.
Ms McAuley added: “We have already had to temporarily close wards to new admissions and restrict visiting due to both vomiting bugs and respiratory illnesses.
“By taking reasonable steps like postponing your visit if you are or have recently been unwell, and by washing hands or using anti-bacterial gel when arriving and leaving ward areas, this helps prevent wards closing, protects patients and protects hard-working NHS staff.”