Raigmore ward closed to new admissions
A Surgical Ward (3C) in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness and Nairn Town and County Hospital are closed to new admissions and visitors are being asked not to attend while staff in both hospitals deal with several cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Nairn Town and County, which was closed as of yesterday (09 May) currently has five patients affected with four still experiencing symptoms. Ward 3C at Raigmore, which was closed as of this morning, currently has two patients affected, both still experiencing symptoms. A number of staff at both hospitals are also affected, they are recovering at home.
Initial testing done on Ward 3C at Raigmore Hospital has indicated that the symptoms are caused by norovirus, we are still awaiting test results for Nairn. The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely difficult to contain.
Dr Adam Brown, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “We know that norovirus is out there in the community and it is likely it has been brought into our hospitals. As well as restricting visiting to the affected wards we are also asking people not to come to the hospitals to visit if they have had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 48hrs. 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.”
There is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and it is not usually necessary to visit a doctor. The best course of action is to stay at home, take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. People should also adhere to strict hand washing techniques to reduce the spread of the virus.

The public can help to minimise the spread by following some simple rules:-

· Do not visit a hospital if you or someone you live with has symptoms. If you have a hospital appointment, please get in touch and, where appropriate, your appointment can be rescheduled.

· Wait until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours, as you may still be contagious, even if you feel well.
· Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.

· If you visit someone in hospital, don't sit on their bed and keep the number of visitors to a minimum at any one time. Never touch dressings, drips, or other equipment around the bed.
  • Ask ward staff for advice before you bring in food or drink for someone you are visiting in hospital.
For more information about hand hygiene visit the Scottish National Hand Hygiene Campaign website www.washyourhandsofthem.com