NHS Fife is to suspend all visiting at its hospital sites. To limit the spread of Covid-19 and to protect our most vulnerable patients and ensure the safety of our staff, visiting will be suspended indefinitely from Tuesday the 24th of March at midnight.
The suspension will apply to all hospitals in Fife.
NHS Fife Nursing Director, Helen Buchanan said:
“In these unprecedented times we are having to take big decisions, often at short notice, to protect those most at risk.
“Our staff are working tirelessly in preparation for an expected rise in Covid-19 cases and whilst stopping visiting may ordinarily seem drastic, the challenges facing us over the coming months make such actions necessary and will enable us to continue to provide a good standard care to those who need it most.
“We do not know how long these arrangements will remain in place it will likely be for a number of weeks.
“In the meantime, we would encourage visitors this evening and tomorrow to consider bringing in technology, such as phones or tablets, which will help ensure patients remain connected to family and friends, along with other essential items”
Suspended visiting will applied with the exception of the neonatal unit, maternity services, children’s ward, and hospices.
*Maternity Ward and Delivery Units– One visitor/ birthing partner is permitted and must remain within the maternity area at all times.
* Neonatal/ SpecialCare Baby Unit – Only parents are permitted to visit and should remain with the child at all times.
* Children’s Ward– Only parents are permitted to visit and should remain with the child at all times.
* Hospices/ End of Life Care– Visiting arrangements are unchanged.
