To protect patients and staff NHS Grampian have suspended visiting at hospitals in Aberdeen City with immediate effect.

The move effects all NHS facilities in the Aberdeen City Council area – including Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Woodend Hospital, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and Roxburghe House.

Since 13 July, NHS Grampian had been piloting the phased resumption of visits to patients in its facilities, with patients in certain wards allowed one designated visitor.

The restrictions do not apply to those identified as essential visitors.

The following visits are deemed essential:

A birth partner during childbirth

For a person receiving end-of-life care

To support someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed

To accompany a child in hospital.

However visitors in this category should also consider whether a visit is essential even in these circumstances.