Norovirus Outbreak Closes All Wards at Belford Hospital Amid Diarrhoea and Vomiting Warning
A major outbreak of norovirus has resulted in the closure of all wards at Belford Hospital in Fort William, Highlands. According to NHS Highland, both wards at the hospital have been closed to new admissions due to the highly contagious virus, which causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
In a statement, NHS Highland confirmed that restricted visiting is in place, with patients and visitors urged to contact staff before making a visit. The health board has also advised anyone who has symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, or lives with someone who has symptoms, to avoid visiting the hospital until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.
"We have had to close both wards in Belford Hospital to new admissions due to Norovirus," an NHS Highland spokesperson said. "Restricted visiting is also in place but please contact staff on the ward if you feel your visit is necessary and they will be able to advise. We would also ask that if you or someone you live with has symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting you refrain from visiting a health or social care setting until clear for 48 hours."
The outbreak has prompted concerns about the spread of the virus, which is highly contagious and can cause severe symptoms. According to NHS Highland, norovirus is a common illness that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, but most people make a full recovery within a couple of days.
The health board’s warning comes as the hospital takes steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Visitors have been advised to take precautions and to contact staff before visiting patients. The hospital has also implemented strict infection control measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
The closure of the wards at Belford Hospital highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing outbreaks of highly contagious illnesses. As the situation continues to unfold, NHS Highland is urging patients and visitors to take precautions to prevent the spread of norovirus.
As reported by STV News, the outbreak has resulted in the closure of all wards at Belford Hospital, with restricted visiting in place. The health board is working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of infection control measures in healthcare settings. As the investigation into the outbreak continues, NHS Highland is urging patients and visitors to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent the spread of norovirus.
NHS Highland’s advice to patients and visitors is clear: if you or someone you live with has symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, please refrain from visiting a health or social care setting until clear for 48 hours. By taking this simple precaution, patients and visitors can help prevent the spread of norovirus and protect vulnerable patients.
Further updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, patients and visitors are advised to follow the guidance provided by NHS Highland to prevent the spread of norovirus.
The health and wellbeing of patients and visitors is of utmost importance, and NHS Highland is working tirelessly to ensure that the outbreak is brought under control as quickly as possible. As STV News continues to report on the situation, patients and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and others.
NHS Highland’s statement on the outbreak can be found on their website, and patients and visitors are advised to check the website for further updates. For the latest news and updates, patients and visitors can also follow STV News for continuing coverage of the outbreak.
