Ward 5C Closed After Raigmore Norovirus Outbreak

Second ward closed to new admissions at Raigmore Hospital as a precautionary measure.

Ward 5C has been closed at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness as a precautionary measure. Ward 7C remains closed bringing the total number of wards closed to two. Visitors are being asked to stay away from both wards.

Ward 5C, which was closed today, has three patients currently affected with symptoms. As a precaution the ward has been closed to new admissions allowing the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Team to monitor the situation.

Wards 6C and 4C, which both had visiting suspended yesterday, are now open again for visitors although a limit of two visitors per patient at one time is still in place across the whole hospital.

Dr Adam Brown, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “We are being cautious by closing 5C but we know norovirus is in the community and would rather be over cautious while we assess the situation.

“By restricting visiting to the affected area it helps hospital staff protect the health, privacy and dignity of our patients. Please do not visit any of the affected wards unless by prior arrangement with the nurse in charge.

“Again we would stress that people do not come to the hospital to visit if they have, or live with someone who has, had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 72hrs. By doing this we will be able to limit the spread as much as possible.

“We would also ask that visitors are limited to two per patient across the whole of the hospital. 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.”

Norovirus, 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.