Visitors
As Fife has moved to Level 1 of the COVID-19 protection system, this allows our patients to have the support from at least two named visitors from the same household at the same time without any need for physical distancing between the two visitors. This will be welcome news for our inpatients. If the two named visitors are not from the same household and physical distancing cannot be maintained then visits can take place separately.
The importance of support from family members and loved ones to people in hospital cannot be overstated and therefore it is important to emphasise that NHS Fife will continue to support compassionate visiting and that any exceptional circumstances should be discussed with the Charge Nurse to facilitate a visit.
Self testing prior to visiting
When patients’ loved ones make arrangements to visit, the clinical care teams will point out that optional testing is a valuable way to promote safety and will therefore encourage testing. Universal lateral flow testing is now available for anyone in Scotland either through community testing programmes or home delivery by calling 119 or ordering online. We will draw visitors’ attention to this offer as part of preparations to support the safe re-expansion of wider hospital visiting.
Keeping everyone safe
In order to keep everyone safe the following visiting procedures are in place:
- In line with national guidance visitors will be required to wear a face covering at all times whilst in our buildings including when in the ward environment visiting patients.
- Strict hand hygiene should be followed on arrival and when exiting the building and also throughout the visit using the hand sanitising points throughout the building.
- Follow local arrangements in place when navigating through our facilities e.g. keep left or one way directions.
- Physical distancing adhered to in communal areas of the hospital wherever possible but families can have close contact, such as holding hands, when they are with the person they are supporting and will not normally be required to wear apron or gloves. The table below provides more detail about PPE for visitors.
- Catering facilities will not be available.
- Visitors should only use public toilets within our buildings.
- Visitors should not to bring in food parcels, flowers, helium balloons or similar items.
The following restrictions apply:
COVID Ward: In line with national guidance visiting remains suspended, however, digital visiting is available and should be discussed with the nurse in charge.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, or who may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19, should not visit our facilities.
