Raigmore Hospital shuts fourth ward to visitors over norovirus outbreak
Raigmore Hospital shuts fourth ward to visitors over norovirus outbreak affecting 55-patients
A fourth ward has been closed to visitors at Raigmore Hospital as the facility in Inverness continues to struggle with an outbreak of the norovirus.
NHS Highland say the measures at 6C are a precaution, with one patient -currently suffering with symptoms common with the winter vomiting bug.
Wards 7C, 2C and 2A all remain closed to new admissions, with a total of 55-patients affected.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely infectious. It is important that everyone plays their part in reducing outbreak risks.
Dr Adam Brown, consultant microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: "We are being cautious by suspending visiting to 6C but we know norovirus is in the community and would rather take this precaution while we assess the situation.
"Again we would stress that people do not come to hospital to visit if they have, or live with someone who has, had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 72-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. Please do not visit any of the affected wards unless by prior arrangement with the nurse in charge."