Ross visitors urged to play part in hospital bug battle
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VISITORS to the Highlands' main hospital are being urged to play their part in helping contain a visrus.
Four wards remain closed across NHS Highland but there have been no new cases of norovirus since yesterday, health chiefs said today
Raigmore Hospital has three wards closed to admissions, Ward 2A, Ward 7C and Ward 6C.
Caithness General’s Rosebank Ward is also closed to admissions. The majority of the patients are recovering, only a small number still have symptoms.
Norovirus is particularly prevalent virus common in the community and healthcare settings.
Typically it has a sudden onset and can spread quickly and therefore we would urge relatives and any visitors who have experienced any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the last forty-eight hours not to visit the hospital.
Strict infection control measures are in place throughout the hospital and we are reminding hospital visitors of the importance of hand hygiene when entering and leaving hospital premises.
Signs have gone up around Raigmore Hospital advising members of the public about norovirus / infection control issues and to remind them about hand hygiene. Leaflets are also being handed out at the main entrance.
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.
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.
A total of 11 surgical and seven medical procedures were cancelled this week. These are being rescheduled "as soon as possible".
Have you been affected? Let us know at editor@rsjournal.co.uk
