More than 100,000 people per year could reap the benefits of a new hospital visiting scheme in NHS Grampian.

Welcome Wards will enable patients to set their own visiting times while they are in hospital.

After a successful three-month trial at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's (ARI) Geriatric Assessment Unit, the initiative was rolled out across the region on Wednesday.

The health board said the move is the biggest shake-up of visiting in more than a generation and follows a review that kicked off last year.

Director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, professor Amanda Croft said: "While we've always tried to be flexible about visiting, there is no denying this has been a big change.

"We are delighted with the response it's gotten so far and it's already making a real difference for patients, their families and carers."

George Stewart, 65, from Aberdeen has been in hospital at ARI and Woodend with a back injury over the last eight weeks.

He said: "I'd still rather be at home obviously but it is a lot, lot better. It's much more relaxed and welcoming and not regimented like it was in the past.

"It's made the biggest difference for my wife and kids. They're able to fit coming in around their work and other commitments which is a lot easier for them.

"If I'm tired or need to rest, people are able to fit around that rather than feeling like they have to come at a set time or they will miss out."