Plan to cut hospital visits sparks concern

SCOTLAND’S patients watchdog has condemned plans to cut visiting times at hospitals across the north-east of Scotland in a bid to prevent the spread of infection.

NHS Grampian confirmed yesterday that ward managers at hospitals throughout the region have been given permission to reduce visiting times at patient’s bedsides following the success of a pilot scheme at four wards at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), the area’s main acute hospital.

Under the existing system, visiting times are currently set from 2:30pm to 5:00pm and from 6:30pm to 8:00pm only as a guide for visitors. But in practice visitors are essentially free to come and go as they please.

In May last year the health authority reduced visiting times at four wards at the infirmary after cleanliness standards at the ARI were condemned in a report by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate. NHS Grampian has now announced that the scheme is to be widened at the discretion of individual ward managers.

An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “The pilots ran for a month where visiting times were restricted to 2-4pm and 6:30-8pm. Staff reported that visitor numbers during visiting times remained largely unchanged throughout the trial, but that numbers outside those times had fallen. The view was that this was a positive outcome, given that reducing footfall is a measure which can help prevent the spread of infection. It also ensured protected meal times were respected.”

But Dr Jean Turner, chief executive of the Scotland Patients Association, expressed her concerns about the reduction in visiting hours. She said: “It is important the sick people get to see their relatives because it helps them get better. I doubt this is going to cut infection.”