ALL but essential visiting has been suspended at a Borders hospital following an outbreak of coronavirus.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said the situation at Kelso Community Hospital was being kept under “regular review”.

They added that the restrictions would be eased as soon as it was safe to do so.

According to the health board, examples of ‘essential visiting’ include:

  • a person receiving end-of-life care
  • to support someone with a mental health issue, learning disability, autism or dementia in circumstances where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
  • when someone is receiving information about life-changing illness or treatments
  • where support from another person is essential for advocacy and wellbeing

The spokesperson said: “If your visit is essential please contact your loved one’s care team to make arrangements.”