NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde takes steps to halt coronavirus

Following Scottish Government guidance, NHSGGC has brought in stricter guidance for visiting patients in its hospitals.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, Director of Public Health said: “It is essential you do not visit a patient in hospital if you have a cough, flu like symptoms or a fever. We need to all work together to protect patients, families/carers and staff as much as we can.

“No children should be visiting hospital unless this is in exceptional circumstances and approved by the nurse or midwife-in-charge. We are also asking all visitors not to congregate outside wards or in corridors.”

From today – the guidance for people visiting patients who are not being treated for Coronavirus or suspected Coronavirus is:

· Visiting is limited to one visitor per patient, for one hour per day – at a time of their choosing to avoid groups congregating outside the ward doors or at the hospital entrance

· Please phone the nurse/midwife in charge if you are a birthing partner, main carer, parent of a sick child, nominated person for a vulnerable adult or visiting a person receiving end of life care to discuss a more person centred approach

The guidance for people visiting patients who ARE being treated for Coronavirus or suspected Coronavirus is:

· Visiting is limited to one, named visitor per patient, for one hour per day – 7-8pm. This should be partner/carer of adult patient.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is urging people to use their health services wisely as it deals with the emerging situation. The Board Nurse Director Dr Margaret McGuire said that looking after our patients and staff is our main priority and every step we take is to support them. We understand that this advice will may be challenging for you, however, I would like to thank all staff, patients and carers for their continued support during this time.

Linda said: “We are now putting in extra staff at the front doors of our four Emergency Departments (ED) to support patients to make sure they go to the right place for their treatment, protecting them, protecting other patients and protecting our staff.

“We are facing one of the biggest health challenge of our lifetime and we really need to make sure that the only people being treated in ED are those that cannot be helped elsewhere.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is in the fortunate position of having dedicated, nurse-led Minor Injury Units (MIUs) at Stobhill, the New Victoria and Vale of Leven Hospitals, where 100% of patients are usually seen and treated within four hours.

MIUs can treat cuts and grazes, insect bites, minor burns, sprains and strains, limb injuries like a broken ankle, broken wrist etc and foreign bodies in ears or up noses.

However, they are unable to treat more serious conditions such as major injuries, poisoning, fever, breathing difficulties stomach pains, vomiting or diarrhoea, rashes or allergic reactions.

Patients are also being asked to self-care using NHS Inform and pharmacies as well as visiting Out of Hours GPs.

Linda added: “We really need patients to carefully consider the best place to be if they are unwell, in order that those who really need hospital care can receive it.

“This will mean they seek advice from the correct place, and they are treated quicker elsewhere, allowing us to concentrate on emergency and urgent care as a priority.”

For the most up-to-date health advice, click here