Visitors and visiting patients are encouraged to wear marks in hospital across the islands as requested by NHS Western Isles.

This precautionary measure is being introduced to reduce the risk of infection and safeguard the health of both patients and visitors, in light of the increasing levels of influenza currently circulating within the community.

The decision has also been made to introduce masks into all wards for staff in Western Isles hospitals and for patients in the waiting area of Emergency Departments. This is to help prevent the spread of any acute viral infections within the clinical environment.

As seasonal infections rise, NHS Western Isles is also requesting that anyone with flu-like symptoms or feeling unwell avoids visiting hospital patients and care home residents, to avoid putting vulnerable people and local healthcare services at risk.

Every year in Scotland, thousands of people are hospitalised with flu. Cases of flu in the Western Isles are now increasing at pace, reflecting the national picture.

This year’s local fly vaccination programme is already well underway, with those eligible being invited to attend their local clinic. See the eligibility clinic here.

In addition to staying safe in hospital environments and preventing the spread of disease, NHS Western Isles would like to remind people that Virtual Visiting is available, to enable hospital inpatients to keep in touch with friends and family via video call. 

The service is available seven days a week between 2pm and 4pm, with iPads made available for patients to receive their video call on. To arrange a virtual visit or to find out more, contact the Ward Clerk of the ward that the patient is on.