A health board has overcome the problem of loved ones being unable to visit hospital patients in the coronavirus pandemic.
NHS Western Isles is launching a ‘virtual visiting’ service.
Following the recent decision to close hospitals in the Outer Hebrides to visitors, staff have been working on a new process to enable inpatients to keep in touch with friends and family via video call.
The service, which officially launches tomorrow, is available seven days a week between 2pm and 4pm – though availability may be extended depending on need.
The service will be initially available to patients in Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, but the health board is currently considering how this could be effectively rolled out to all island hospital sites over the next two weeks.
NHS Western Isles’ William Findlay said: “We recognise how difficult this time is for everyone. It is an even more challenging time for inpatients who are in an unfamiliar environment, at a time of considerable anxiety, and are not able to see their friends and family.
“This is why we took the decision to develop this service for our patients who do not have their own mobile phone, tablet or laptop to use, to connect with others. Keeping in touch with those important to us is clearly beneficial in terms of patient wellbeing.”
