WATCH: "Relentless" fight against Inverness hospital's infectious outbreak

A look behind the scenes as Inverness hospital battles with the Norovirus

Published 14th Dec 2016

The man on the frontline of the fight against a viral outbreak at Raigmore Hospital says it's a "relentless" task.

Ward 2A at the Inverness facility remains shut to new admissions because patients there have been hit by the spread of Norovirus.

David Mackay told MFR News that the vomiting and diarrhea-causing bug can be brought in, or spread further by visitors: "When we've got Norovirus in the building, we usually have the signs at the front door, asking people if they feel unwell to remain away, and also people who do access the building are asked to wash their hands.

"We put hand-washing stations at the entrance of every ward area."

The NHS Highland hospital's domestic services manager said that his staff are working 23-hours a day to routinely clean the facility, where a deep-cleaning operation is currently underway at the affected ward, which is expected to re-open "later in the week," according to the health board.

It is a massive operation to keep the building's 20,000-square metres, or 192-departments hygienic, which also involves cleaning 740-toilets.

WATCH: David Mackay tells us that his cleaning force is about 200-strong...