NHS Dumfries & Galloway

Changes to hospital inpatient visiting

Along with the rest of mainland Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway moves to Level 4 in the national COVID protection framework from Saturday December 26.

This brings new restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus, including a suspension of hospital inpatient visiting – with limited exceptions.

It is recognised that visiting within hospitals brings comfort to both those receiving visitors and to those visiting. Visitors can also support the clinical staff in providing good care and discharge planning. It can have a positive effect on nutrition, healing and recovery, and is a fundamental part of a person’s care.

However, there is a need to balance risks and these basic human rights.

As of December 26, inpatient hospital visiting will be suspended and limited to exceptional visits only.

These exceptions are end of life, birth partners, to accompany a child in hospital, to support someone with conditions such as dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed.

Please note that as of 12.01 am on December 26 the front doors at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary will be locked and switched to access via a swipe card only.