Second Raigmore Hospital ward closed by sickness bug
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THE intensive care ward at Raigmore Hospital has been closed to new admissions following the spread of an ongoing norovirus outbreak.
The cardiac ward was already closed to new admissions, having been shut on Thursday following confirmation of the virus.
But the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) also closed its doors last night after two cases were confirmed in the ward. The virus causes vomiting and diarhhoea and is highly contagious.
NHS Highland stressed that intensive care treatment will continue to be offered at Raigmore despite the ward's closure, however, after ITU facilities were transferred to the theatre recovery area.
Three patients in the cardiac unit are currently confirmed to have the virus, with a further six showing symptoms. Two patients in the ITU have also now tested positive.
Dr Jonathan Whiteside, Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, said: “While the ITU ward itself is closed to new admissions and transfers we have been able to keep the service running by putting ITU facilities within the theatre recovery area. In effect we have moved ITU to a different location which will allow us to admit emergency patients who require this level of care.”
Norovirus, 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 Jonty Mills, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “As well as restricting visiting to the affected wards 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.”
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.
The public can help to minimise the spread by following some simple rules:-
- Do not visit a hospital if you or someone you live with has symptoms. If you have a hospital appointment, please get in touch and, where appropriate, your appointment can be rescheduled.
- Wait until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours, as you may still be contagious, even if you feel well.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- If you visit someone in hospital, don't sit on their bed and keep the number of visitors to a minimum at any one time. Never touch dressings, drips, or other equipment around the bed.
