NHS Fife suspends routine visits to all hospital sites due to rise in Covid-19 cases

NHS Fife is to suspend routine visiting across its hospital sites after a sharp increase in Covid19 infections in the Kingdom.

A total of 69 positive cases were confirmed in Fife yesterday, in addition to more than 80 the previous day, which was the highest daily total of the pandemic so far. In the past week there have been more than 300 positive tests in the area.

The number of people being treated in hospital for Covid-19 in the region is also rising.

The new rules will come into force tomorrow (Friday November 6) at 7pm and will apply to all hospitals in Fife.

Dona Milne, director of public health, said: "We know that the suspension of routine visiting will be concerning for patients and their loved ones, however, we have seen a growing number of Covid-19 infections over recent weeks and it is clear that we have considerable spread of the virus within our communities in Fife. Some of the people becoming infected are becoming very unwell and are being admitted to our hospitals.

"The nature of this virus is that it is highly infectious and can be easily spread by those with no symptoms at all or with mild symptoms. For those most vulnerable amongst us, such as those cared for in our hospitals, contracting Covid-19 can be particularly dangerous and it is vital that we do all that we can to protect those most at risk of the effects of the virus and to protect our health and social care services."

There are a small number of areas which are exempt from the new visiting arrangements:

• Maternity - pregnant women may identify a designated visitor to accompany them to their scans, antenatal appointments, during in labour on the postnatal/maternity ward
• End-of-life care – to visit a person receiving end-of-life care
• Mental health/ learning disabilities - to support someone with a mental health issue, or those with a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
• Children’s services - to accompany a child in hospital

Dr Christopher McKenna, NHS Fife medical director, said: "Covid-19 poses a significant threat to those who are vulnerable and it is crucial that we take all reasonable steps to limit the opportunities for the virus to be brought into our hospitals.

"The likely challenges facing healthcare services in Fife in the coming weeks and months are considerable, as we seek to care for a rising number of patients with Covid19 while also providing a good standard of care to other patients with other equally serious health conditions.

"We need to do all we can to prevent clusters of Covid-19 within our hospitals and it is not overstating the situation to say that by taking this step will ultimately help us to save lives.

"Importantly, while we don’t yet know how long these arrangements will remain in place for, patients and their loved ones can be assured that we will be doing all that we can to ensure those in our care can keep in touch with their loved ones while visiting remains suspended."