Visits to Ayrshire hospitals have been suspended unless essential, the NHS has announced.

The decision was taken in order to protect patients, the public and staff, NHS Ayrshire & Arran has taken 'the very difficult decision' to suspend visiting to hospitals. This means that from tomorrow, Wednesday 15 December, it will be essential visits only.

Jennifer Wilson, Interim Nurse Director, explains: “Rising community prevalence of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, and the current demand for hospital services means we must once again restrict visiting to all our hospitals. In order to limit the spread and maintain the safety of all our patients and staff, we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend visiting to essential visits only.

“We know how difficult it is to be separated from loved ones, particularly at this time of year. But please be assured that all decisions about visiting are made with the safety of the patient and the visitor in mind. We will be regularly monitoring the situation and will look forward to welcoming back visitors as soon as it is safe to do so.”

NHS Ayrshire & Arran does not underestimate the impact of social isolation on patients or the additional anxiety and worry that results from not being able to visit a loved one while they are unwell.

Ward staff will help to reduce this anxiety as much as possible by continuing to support patients and their loved ones to keep in touch during this time with the use of technology. All inpatient areas have been provided with additional IT equipment to support virtual visiting. If you would like to arrange a 'virtual visit' (video call) with a friend or family member in one of our hospitals, please contact the ward directly to organise a call.

Jennifer adds: “If you have a visiting appointment arranged at one of our hospitals from Wednesday 15 December please do not attend, as all appointments have been cancelled with immediate effect.

"We truly appreciate how difficult this will be for our patients and their families, but ask for your co-operation to keep everyone safe.”