One ward at Dr Gray’s Hospital remains closed to new admissions nearly a week after a norovirus outbreak began.
Warnings have been issued that the Elgin unit remains under “significant pressure” despite Ward 5 being due to partially reopen on Thursday afternoon.
Health bosses continue to urge residents to call NHS 24 on 111 before attending at the emergency department.
NHS Grampian says 17 beds remain closed at Dr Gray’s Hospital due to the noroavirus outbreak.
Pressure on healthcare service – #moray@MorayCouncil @HSCMoray pic.twitter.com/MQ7YwRN769
— Dr Gray's Hospital (@DrGrays_Elgin) March 24, 2022
This coupled with the pressures from the rise in Covid cases has left the hospital under extreme pressure with a shortage of beds.
‘Clear norovirus is circulating widely in community’
NHS Grampian says visiting to both Wards 5 and 6 will be limited to essential and end of life stays only, and must be discussed with senior nurses in advance. Ward 1 has fully reopened following the initial norovirus outbreak.
Meanwhile, the nearby Maryhill GP practice in Elgin also continues to have a staffing shortage due to illness.
A social media post said: “We continue to ask people in Moray to call NHS 24 on 111 before coming to the emergency department or if they require non-urgent healthcare advice. In emergencies they should still dial 999.
“Maryhill GP practice (Elgin) continue to experience a staffing shortage due to illness. They are currently offering an emergency service only. eConsult is not available.
“If you require non-urgent healthcare advice, please call NHS 24 on 111 or speak to your community pharmacist.
“It is clear norovirus is circulating widely in the community, along with Covid-19. We would remind anyone if they are at all unwell, they must not visit friends or relatives in hospitals/care homes.
“If you have any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, isolate at home and book a PCR test.”
