NHS Dumfries and Galloway restricts visits to hospital due to high volume of respiratory illness

A Scottish health board has restricted visits to a hospital due to a high volume of respiratory illness cases in the community.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway have temporarily limited visits at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary to essential visiting only.

The step has been made to protect patients, staff, and visitors.

Essential visits will be allowed for family of patients at end of life, for children, for attending a birth, and for patients with mental health issues, and dementia, learning disabilities and autism.

Those wishing to visit loved ones have been urged to contact the ward in advance.

A spokesperson from NHS Dumfries and Galloway said: “Due to a high volume of respiratory illness within our community, we are temporarily limiting hospital visits at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI) to essential visiting only.

“This step is necessary to protect our patients, staff, and visitors.

“Essential visiting is for end of life, for children, for attending a birth, and for patients with mental health issues, and dementia, learning disabilities and autism.

“Please contact the ward before making any visit, telephoning 01387 246246.

“Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.”

This comes as Public Health Scotland figures showed that a sharp rise in flu cases is contributing to an increase in hospital admissions.

There has been a rise of 63% in confirmed flu cases across all age groups in Scotland in the past week, rising to 2,752 cases from 1,696 the previous week.

Scotland’s public health watchdog believes high levels of circulating flu are contributing to acute pressure on the health and care system, including an increase in GP consultations and hospitalisations.

NHS Grampian previously confirmed that Aberdeen’s Royal Infirmary was previously caring for more than two wards full of flu patients.

According to Public Health Scotland, GP consultation rates for influenza-like illness are at the highest rate since the 2017/18 winter season. Hospital admissions have also risen by 65% from 705 last week to 1,163.