The north’s flagship hospital has fully reopened after a norovirus outbreak.
Raigmore Hospital’s ward 6C was closed for nearly two weeks after eight staff and four patients were diagnosed with the sickness bug.
The hospital’s intensive treatment unit was also shut after two patients tested positive for the bug – but it reopened last Friday.
Norovirus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, can spread in the air and is difficult to contain. It may also spread by touching contaminated surfaces.
A NHS spokeswoman said: “Following a deep clean Ward 6C has reopened. The ward was closed after several patients had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Norovirus was found to be present on the ward.
“Norovirus is still very much prevalent in the community and everyone is being asked to play their part in reducing outbreak risks.”
To minimise the risk of spreading the bug, the public are being advised to not visit the hospital if they exhibit any norovirus symptoms. Those with an appointment should contact the hospital by telephone to reschedule.
Any visitors to the hospital should not sit on a patient’s bed or touch dressings, drops or any other bedside equipment. Visitor numbers should also be kept to a minimum at any one time.
People should also wait until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours before visiting, as they may still be contagious, even if they feel well.
It is also important to adhere to strict hand washing techniques with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus.
The best course of action is to stay at home, take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
For more information about hand hygiene visit the Scottish National Hand Hygiene Campaign website www.washyourhandsofthem.com.
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