Inverness hospital ward still closed
Ward 2C at Inverness’ Raigmore Hospital remains closed to new admissions following a number of patients being diagnosed with flu.
Visitors are being kept to a minimum to the affected ward with relatives and friends being asked to call the ward before travelling to the hospital.
This follows three patients having tested positive for flu last weekend (January 14). There have been no new cases of flu on the ward.
Dr Chin Lim, consultant microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “By restricting visiting to the affected area it helps hospital staff protect the health, privacy and dignity of our patients.
“Ward staff will of course be very happy to talk to visitors on the phone so they can get updates on how their relatives are. If you are visiting the affected ward we would ask that visitors are limited to two to a bed and you are not attending other ward areas after being in the affected ward. ”
He added: “We are also asking people not to visit relatives in the hospital if they have any flu like symptoms which will help us in stopping the spread.
“Coming in to hospital to visit a family member or friend when you have been ill with symptoms such as those associated with flu could put them, and our other patients, at risk so we would ask that you hold off visiting until you are better.”
Traditionally the number of cases of flu can increase during January. Flu is very infections and can be serious but symptoms can usually be managed at home by resting, keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Paracetamol can also be taken to help ease some of the symptoms.
