Ward at Inverness hospital closed to new admissions due to norovirus outbreak

A ward at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been closed to new admissions following confirmed cases of norovirus.

NHS Highland is asking visitors to stay away while staff deal with several cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Ward 7a, a respiratory ward, was closed on Saturday following confirmed cases of the stomach bug. The infection prevention and control team is monitoring the situation and infection control measures are in place.

Visiting will be considered on an individual patient basis around their clinical condition and a discussion with staff will be required.

The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely infectious.

A spokeswoman for the health authority said it was important that everyone played their part in reducing outbreak risks.

"We would also ask all members of the public that if they have, or live with someone who has, symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting they please refrain from visiting any hospital or care home setting until clear of symptoms for 48 hours," she said.

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