McLeod welcomes extension of visiting hours

 

SNP MSP for the South of Scotland and member of the Parliament’s Health & Sport Committee Dr Aileen McLeod today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by Health Secretary Alex Neil that NHS Dumfries & Galloway will be one of five Health Boards to pilot extended visiting hours. The pilot will trial visiting hours of 11am to 8pm.

 

Dr McLeod commented:

 

“This is a welcome announcement, which I know the Cabinet Secretary has implemented after listening to patients’ views on how the NHS can be made more user friendly.

 

“This pilot will allow family and friends to be able to visit their loved ones at times which are convenient to them and opening up visiting times to 11am to 8pm will mean it is easier for people to fit visiting patients in with their working hours.

 

“That will result in more support for the patient and seeing more of family and friends could speed up recovery.

 

“NHS staff will also benefit as visitors will be spread out more throughout the day, rather than being restricted to a couple of hours.

 

“It is great news that the Health Secretary has listened to what patients want and has listened to those who want their visitors to be able to pop in at any time during the day.

 

“The SNP is taking steps to making our health service more user-friendly. With patient care safer than ever, we must continue this hard work and ensure our health service continues to go from strength to strength.”