Third Raigmore Hospital ward closed due to possible norovirus outbreak
Ward 5C has been closed at Raigmore Hospital as a precautionary measure against a possible norovirus outbreak, bringing the total number of wards closed to three.
The ward, which was closed today, has two patients currently affected with symptoms but it is not yet clear whether or not this is because of norovirus.
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 because of patients affected by norovirus. Ward 2C has 17 patients affected and Ward 7C now has 10 patients. Testing confirmed norovirus was 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.
Visits to all three wards are currently restricted.
An NHS Highland spokesperson said: "It is important that everyone plays their part in reducing outbreak risks.
"Please do not visit any of the affected wards unless by prior arrangement with the nurse in charge.
"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."
