Another ward closed at Raigmore Hospital
A further ward has been closed at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness as a precautionary measure.
This brings the total number of wards closed to three.
Ward 5C, which was closed today, has two patients currently affected with symptoms but it is not yet clear whether or not this is because of a Norovirus outbreak.
As a precaution the ward has been closed to new admissions allowing the hospital’s infection prevention and control team to assess the situation and wait for sample results.
Ward 2C and Ward 7C remain closed to new admissions. Ward 2C now has 17 patients affected and Ward 7C now has nine patients affected.
Testing has confirmed norovirus is present on both wards.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely infectious.
Health chiefs have said 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 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.
“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 within the previous 48 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.”