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Hospital visiting times and person-centred care. Infection control, and enquiries about patients.

Families, carers and friends have an important role in supporting us to plan and deliver person-centred care which is safe and effective. We aim to ensure that when people visit hospitals they are treated with respect by all our staff.

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Visiting times

NHS Highland believes that patient and families play an important role in the care team. This means that visiting arrangements are flexible to meet the needs of each individual and we welcome your support in working with us on this.

Plan your visit

Person-centred visiting means there are no restrictions on the number of visitors per day. For the majority of our hospital wards there is no need to make an appointment to visit.  However, we still advise a maximum of two visitors per patient at any one time to avoid overcrowding in wards. Family members and friends are asked to liaise with each other to plan visiting, to avoid large numbers of visitors at any one time - this may result in people having to reschedule their visit.

Restrictions on visiting

In order to avoid overcrowding and ensure visiting is accessible for all, some clinical areas are operating a scheduling system for visitors. If you are unsure how a particular ward is operating, please speak to the staff who'll advise how visiting will work best for patients and their families.

At certain times visitors may be asked to leave the bedside, for example during a doctor’s round, at treatment times or meal times. We ask that you respect any protected meal times.

In exceptional circumstances, wards may be closed to all visitors. This is to ensure safety of both patients and visitors where there is a risk of spread of infection.

If you require further information on visiting, please speak to any member of staff.

Reducing the risk of infection

COVID-19 has not gone away. We would ask everyone to please keep doing the things that protect you and your loved ones.

Please do not visit a hospital or social care setting if you are unwell. Please postpone your visit if:

  • you have a cold
  • you have a fever
  • you have been in contact with any infectious disease such as measles, chickenpox or flu
  • you have symptoms and are not well enough to carry out daily activities
Dont Visit Hospital If Unwell

Face masks and coverings

NHS Scotland advice for the wearing of face or coverings on our premises has changed.

Staff will not routinely wear face masks, and as a visitor you are not required to wear a face mask or covering when entering our buildings, although you can still opt to do so if you wish. There may be times when you are advised by staff to wear a face mask, and the reason for this will be explained to you.

Visiting hospital

When visiting a patient in a single room with STOP sign, please contact a member of staff before entering.

Please do not sit on beds or touch medical equipment. Use the chairs provided.

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is the most simple and effective way to prevent infection. People who are unwell may be more likely to catch infections. Performing hand washing and using the hand sanitiser (on clean hands) assists us in preventing infections spread. We encourage you to do this.

Hand washing and alcohol gel must be used to clean hands. You will find alcohol gel for you to use near each wash basin and at the entrance to all wards and departments. Patients and visitors are encouraged to use the hand gel or wash hand basin on entry and exit to any ward. If you visit two or more patients, please wash your hands or use the alcohol gel available, immediately after each patient. If you cannot find gel, or if a gel dispenser is empty, please tell a member of our staff.

Be distance aware

We are also asking that everyone be mindful of those around them. The Distance Aware scheme is designed to help those worried about mixing with others as we adapt to living with COVID-19.

Enquiries about patients

It would be helpful if one member of a family, or a friend, passes news of a patient's progress to others. Staff are instructed to give general information only when telephone enquiries are received and cannot give details of operations, diagnosis etc. The nurse in charge can best deal with personal enquiries during visiting hours, where possible. If relatives wish to speak to the doctor they should ask the nurse in charge to arrange an appointment for them.

Accommodation in Inverness

Some hotels close to Raigmore Hospital (Inverness) and National Treatment Centre - Highland (Inverness):

See also patient accommodation at Raigmore Hospital.

no smoking

NHS Highland operates a No Smoking policy within its grounds and premises. Please respect this. It is now illegal to smoke in the grounds of any NHS Highland hospital and you may be fined £50. This policy applies to all patients, staff and visitors.

Nicotine replacement therapy is available within all hospital wards, which you can access this as an inpatient if required. Get local help to stop smoking.

Alcohol is also forbidden on NHS Highland grounds.

General hospitals

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In-person services and locations

Last updated: 17 December 2024

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Head Office

NHS Highland
Assynt House
Beechwood Park
Inverness
IV2 3BW

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