Norovirus forces closure of Bignold ward at Caithness General Hospital
A WARD at Caithness General Hospital in Wick has closed to new admissions and visitors are being asked to stay away while staff deal with several cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.
The Bignold ward, which deals with elective surgery, has seven patients affected with symptoms. Testing has shown norovirus is present on the ward and three staff have also been affected.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely infectious.
It is the second time this month the ward has closed as a result of the virus.
Dr Jonty Mills, 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.
"We would also ask that people do not come to the hospital to visit if they have or live with someone who has had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 48 hours. By doing this we will be able to limit the spread as much as possible.
"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."