Visits to three Raigmore Hospital wards restricted amid sickness
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VISITING has been restricted to three further Raigmore Hospital wards "as a precaution" after a number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Wards 6C, 5C and 4C have all had restrictions put in place in a bid to minimise the spread of the symptoms, although NHS Highland has stressed that they are not being considered as another norovirus outbreak.
Ward 7C still remains closed following the outbreak of norovirus in recent weeks.
Dr Chin Lim, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Highland, explained that even though the three latest wards are not closed, closing them to visitors has been agreed as the best course of action.
He said: “We know norovirus is rife in the community and by suspending visiting to these wards it allows us to monitor the situation and also reduce, as much as we possibly can, the chance of norovirus being brought in.
“Please do not visit Wards 7C, 6C, 5C and 4C unless by prior arrangement with the nurse in charge.
“We would also ask that visitors are limited to two per patient across the whole hospital and if you, or anyone you live with, has had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting you refrain from coming into the hospital until you are clear for 72 hours.
“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 and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
The public can help minimise the spread by not visiting the hospital if they or anyone they live with has symptoms. Those who have had sumptoms should wait until they have been clear for 72 hours before visiting as they may still be contagious.
Washing hands regularly and not touching dressings, drips or hospital equipment during a visit are also advised.
