Raigmore Hospital cardiac ward closed to new admissions after norovirus outbreak
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE cardiac ward at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been closed to new admissions following an outbreak of norovirus.
The bug causes sickness and diarrhoea and is highly contagious. The public are being asked to keep visiting to an absolute minium to minimise its spread.
Nhs Highland said ward 6C has two patients who have tested positive for norovirus and two others affected with symptoms. Several members of staff are also thought to be symptomatic.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, can spread in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or has vomited, and is extremely difficult to contain. It may also spread by touching surfaces contaminated by the vomit or diarrhoea.
Dr Chin Lim, consultant microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “As well as restricting visiting to the affected ward we are asking people not to come to the hospital to visit if they have had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 48 hours. By doing this we will be able to limit the spread as much as possible.
“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.”
There is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and it is not usually necessary to visit a doctor. The best course of action is to stay at home, take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. People should also adhere to strict hand washing techniques with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus.
People should not visit the hospital if they, or someone they live with, has symptoms. Those who have a hospital appointment should get in touch and, where appropriate, their appointment can be rescheduled.
Those who have had the virus should wait until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours before visiting the hospital because they may still be contagious, even if they feel well.
Regular hand washing is also advised.
