PEOPLE who are visiting patients in Inverclyde Royal must wear a face covering.

Since the start of the pandemic, the only patients who have been allowed visitors have been children, patients with mental health issues, and those receiving end of life care.

Now every patient - with the exception of those with COVID - is allowed one designated visitor.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's nurse director, Dr Margaret McGuire, said each visitor must wear a face covering, maintain thorough hand hygiene and stick to social distancing guidelines.

Dr McGuire said: "This has been such a difficult time for our patients and their families. We fully recognise the additional emotional burden this has placed on everyone during pandemic.

"Everything we do is for the safety and welfare of our patients. I’m sure if we all work together we can make this a success and a pleasant experience for all.”