Scottish wards closed to new patients following flu out-break

A health board has closed a hospital ward to new admissions in Angus after a number of patients developed flu-like symptoms.

Stracathro Hospital in Brechin closed ward seven to new admissions after “a small number'' of people developed the symptoms.

It follows the closure of ward five at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee which NHS Tayside said remained closed to new admissions after patients developed influenza A.

Health authorities advised those with coughs and colds not to visit friends or relatives.

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said: “Patients in the wards are being monitored and appropriate infection control and prevention measures are in place.

“To help reduce the spread of infection, people are asked to avoid visiting if possible and visitors who have coughs and colds which could be flu are asked not to visit friends and relatives until they are better.

“NHS Tayside apologises for any inconvenience.'