VISITING times are set to be a thing of the past in Fife hospitals after Welcome Ward arrangements were introduced this week.

Friends and family will now be able to visit patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NHS Fife director of nursing Helen Buchanan said: “Welcome Wards have already been trialled in a number of areas and we have received really positive feedback.

"Aside from increased convenience for visitors, patients like the fact that they are able to connect with family, friends and carers more often, giving them company when they may be feeling a bit low in an unfamiliar environment. Having the people that matter to you most beside you at a time when you really need them is very important.”