A Scots hospital has closed several wards to new admissions and transfers amid a rising number of patients being admitted with Covid-19.

University Hospital Wishaw is experiencing a surge in the number of coronavirus patients being admitted, with Wishaw having a higher number of positive cases than other areas of Lanarkshire.

Health bosses say strict control measures are in place to reduce the risk of infection, and a review of infection levels will be implemented.

A review has already found that some enhanced cleaning procedures put in place at the beginning of the pandemic were not being carried out to the fullest extent, which they say has not been immediately rectified.

Heather Knox, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive, said: “We are working hard to do everything we can to minimise the level of infection at the hospital. 

“To ensure we leave no stone unturned as we work to reduce disruption to patients and services, this will include a thorough review through our clinical review procedure. The review will take an in depth look at infection levels throughout the hospital and identify what more can be done to tackle this.

“For example, we have already identified that not all of the enhanced cleaning processes put in place as a result of the pandemic were still being carried out to the fullest extent at the hospital. This was immediately rectified and we are investigating the reasons for this issue jointly with the external service provider.

“The current infection levels at the hospital serve as a stark reminder of the need for all of us to be vigilant and comply fully with the current Covid guidance. This is all the more important as levels of Covid infections are also high within the communities that University Hospital Wishaw serves.”

Ms Knox added: “Like all hospitals, anyone visiting University Hospital Wishaw is required to wear a mask and to use hand sanitizer on entering and leaving the hospital.

“By following FACTS:  wear a face covering; avoid crowded places; clean your hand regularly; keep a two metre distance and self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms, you will be supporting your local hospital and helping to reduce hospital admissions.”