Infection control measures in Western Isles Hospital

NHS Western Isles would like to advise members of the public that visiting hours in Western Isles Hospital are being restricted until further notice, as a small number of inpatients are currently experiencing symptoms common to the winter vomiting bug.

Whilst there have been no confirmed cases of Norovirus (winter vomiting bug) in the hospital to date, a small number of patients in Medical Wards 1 and 2 have recently experienced diarrhoea and vomiting.

Medical Ward 1 was yesterday closed to new admissions and the decision has been taken to restrict visiting hours in all wards to help prevent the spread of infection.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson stated: “Visiting hours have now been restricted to between 3pm-4pm and 7pm-8pm and we would appreciate the cooperation of members of the public to help prevent the spread of infection within the hospital. Until further notice, we would also appreciate if visitors do not bring flowers or fruit to patients in the hospital, as a further infection control measure.”

Whilst there has been no laboratory confirmation of Norovirus in the Western Isles, Health Protection Scotland is currently reporting an increase in laboratory reports of the winter vomiting bug across Scotland. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting lasting 24 to 48 hours.

Dr Louise Scott, GP Health Protection Team NHS Western Isles, issued the following general health advice:

To minimise the spread of Norovirus within the home:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet – consider keeping separate towels to minimise the risk of cross-infection in the home.
• Hand washing with soap and water, not just using the alcohol gels,  is important
• Similarly clean and wash down any surfaces that have been contaminated with a bleach-based disinfectant. Take care to ensure that the disinfectant is used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Don’t prepare food for other people as you may contaminate the food.

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