Soar in winter viruses having ‘major’ impact on medical services

Dumfries and Galloway is being battered by a super flu, with cases rising rapidly.

- SHARON LIPTROTT

‘The use of face masks have now been reintroduced at the region’s hospitals for outpatients, staff and visitors as flu and norovirus infections hit communities hard.

Temporary measures brought in this week mean hospital wards are closed to new admissions and visiting across all inpatient wards is now restricted, with access only permitted following prior arrangement with staff who will advise on safe processes.

All visitors are being asked to wear face coverings where possible. This is across all NHS Dumfries and Galloway sites with an appeal for public cooperation sounded to help protect patients, staff, and the wider community.

The rising infection levels, means NHS staff working in clinical areas must wear face masks and independent contractors in primary care settings like GP practices, and staff in social care settings, are being strongly encouraged to consider reintroducing the coverings everyone will remember from the Covid-19 pandemic.