All visiting suspended at Raigmore Hospital after norovirus cases rise to 27
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VISITS to Raigmore Hopsital in Inverness have been suspended amid a worsening norovirus outbreak on several wards.
Three wards, 2C, 5C and 7C, are currently closed to new admissions and the number of confirmed cases of the bug, which causes sickness and diarrhoea, has risen to 27.
Norovirus is an airborne illness and is extremely contagious. The hospital said that due to the high number of cases within the hospital and out in the community it had been agreed to suspend visits to try and prevent any more outbreaks.
Dr Adam Brown, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “We have taken the decision today to suspend all visiting at Raigmore Hospital on a temporary basis.
“We currently have a high number of patients in hospital with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and we also know it is rife in the community.
"By reducing the amount of traffic coming in to the hospital we hope that will reduce the risk of any more outbreaks of Norovirus.
“We would ask members of the public not to come in to hospital to visit any ward unless by prior arrangement with the nurse in charge. Hospital staff will of course be very happy to talk to visitors on the phone so they can get updates on how their relatives are.
“We appreciate your understanding for why we have had to take this decision and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
