NHS Ayrshire and Arran says the increase is “placing significant pressure on our hospitals”, and the health board has suspended non-essential visits.
Only essential visits will be supported, and the health board says it will review the situation on a daily basis.
Jennifer Wilson, nurse director, said: “Due to the increase in flu and other respiratory infections, and the high demand on hospital services, we must limit visiting to keep everyone safe.
“We know this is hard, especially at this time of year and we truly appreciate your understanding.
“We recognise how important contact with loved ones is. Our teams will support patients and families to stay connected.”
Essential visits by a maximum of two visitors will be supported for the following:
End of life care – a patient who is weeks from death. Visits should be allowed while the patient is still able to actively take part in a discussion with a loved one. When a deterioration is more sudden, visiting should be facilitated at the earliest opportunity.
To accompany a patient receiving bad news, such as a cancer or terminal illness diagnosis.
Distressed patients – if a patient is suffering from a cognitive impairment such as delirium, dementia or a learning disability and is in a distressed state, visiting will be permitted in the interest of the patient. This may apply to other conditions and will be at the discretion of staff.
Vulnerable patients, visiting should be considered essential where visits not being permitted would cause significant levels of distress to the individual, or be of benefit in reducing levels of distress, and/or when use of virtual visiting to support contact has been assessed as not appropriate or ineffective. This should be determined by staff in charge of the patient’s care
Children under the age of 18 will be permitted to visit a parent.