A third ward at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has closed its doors to admissions as staff battle to keep the Norovirus sickness bug outbrake at bay.

The wards are Ward 2A, Ward 7C, and Ward 6C, in addition Caithness General’s Rosebank Ward is also closed to admissions.

Dr Emma Watson, Lead Infection Control Doctor said-
"... we are asking that visitors are restricted to close family and friends whenever possible to try and prevent the infection coming into the hospital as much as we can. If you or a family member has had these symptoms, please do not come in.”

NHS Highland issued the following advice which states that 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. In particular try and avoid taking young children in to visit patients.
• Wait until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours, as you may still be contagious.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
• Ask ward staff for advice before you bring in food or drink for someone you are visiting in hospital.
• 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.
• If you think NHS premises are not as clean as they should be, let the Sister or Charge Nurse know. If you think a healthcare worker has forgotten to wash their hands, remind them about this.

Source:   NHS Highland