The team at Friends of ANCHOR is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the current Coronavirus pandemic.

In these uncertain times our utmost priority is the safety of patients. With that at the forefront of our minds, and at the instruction of the senior team at NHS Grampian, we have temporarily suspended our wellbeing services within the ANCHOR Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

While we are very sad to see this happen, we fully understand and respect the decision that has been made, and we will be ready and waiting in the wings when the green light is given to go ahead with supporting patients again.

The main reason behind this move is to limit non-essential contact with patients, which is crucial during this period. We know the wellbeing service has a lasting impact on patients and while we would love to see it continue, the reality is that the focus must be on treatment and protecting those who have weakened immune systems.

Our wellbeing provisions will still be available for all patients and will be distributed throughout the Unit by our ward assistants.

In these uncertain times more than ever, we feel a great sense of privilege to work alongside the incredible teams at NHS Grampian. Our heartfelt thanks and full support go to all those who are taking care of our loved ones in the ANCHOR Unit and throughout the whole medical setting.

Patients, please know your safety is paramount and at the centre of this NHSG decision. The NHSG website (www.nhsgrampian.org) will continue to give you the latest advice and information on how to best look after yourselves. We look forward to being able to switch our services back on as soon as it is safe to do so.