Infection outbreak shuts down Raigmore Hospital ward
Visitors and new admissions to Raigmore Hospital ward suspended over viral outbreak
A norovirus outbreak has hit Raigmore Hospital forcing health bosses to shut Ward 7C.
No visitors or new admissions are being accepted into it after four-patients fell ill with the diarrhoea and vomiting bug.
The virus appears to have been brought in by hospital visitors.
Dr Adam Brown, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Highland, told MFR News: "It is disappointing that we have had to close the ward so soon after it was reopened but we know there is significant norovirus in the community and we do believe that this is an infection that has been brought into the ward and has affected new patients."
Dr Brown explained that this strain of Norovirus seems to have a long incubation period so have extended the period of clearance required from 48-hours to 72-hours.
He said: "Again we would stress that people do not come to the hospital/s to visit if they have, or live with someone who has, had any vomiting or diarrhoea.
"As this strain seems to have a longer incubation period we would ask that anyone coming into the hospital needs to be clear for at least 72hours. By doing this we will be able to limit the spread as much as possible.
"By restricting visiting to the affected area it helps hospital staff protect the health, privacy and dignity of our patients. 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."