WARD 4 at the Borders General Hospital is currently closed to admissions due to the confirmed presence of norovirus.

The situation is being managed by NHS Borders Infection Prevention and Control Team with support from frontline colleagues.

Visitors to Ward 4 are strongly discouraged at this time, and the general advice is to stay away from any hospital ward if you or anyone in your family has experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the past 48 hours.

Dr Ed James, Consultant Microbiologist said “Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting illness. It is very infectious and spreads quickly between people. This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities. However it doesn’t just occur in hospitals, and can start abruptly and spread quickly through communities.

“It is vital to protect yourselves and your loved ones from catching this unpleasant virus. Patients, visitors and staff can help minimise the spread by complying with instructions given by staff and paying attention to the signs at the entrances to the hospital and wards.”

To help stop the spread of Norovirus you should:

1.       Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating meals.

2.       If someone in your household is affected by diarrhoea and vomiting illness then;

o    Do not share towels and flannels.

o    Flush away any faeces or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding toilet area wearing rubber gloves if possible. Wash your hands after removing the gloves.

o    Disinfect surfaces or objects that could have been contaminated with faeces or vomit. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.

o    Wash any clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated with the virus. Wash the items separately and on a hot wash to ensure that the virus is killed.  

3.       Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce and only eat oysters from a reliable source. Oysters have been known to carry the Norovirus. 

4.       Avoid going to hospital or any other healthcare facility if you or other members of your family have had symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the past 48 hours.

For further updates please visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk