Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin is closed to non-essential visitors as 50 sick in vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak
Dozens of patients and members of staff at a north-east hospital have been hit by a sickness outbreak.
More than 50 people at Dr Gray’s in Elgin have been affected by diarrhoea and vomiting.
The hospital has suspended non-essential visits and closed three wards to new admissions as a result.
Dr Gray’s duty manager Louise Pearson said: “We have made this decision to protect patients, family members and staff until the situation is resolved.
“Wards 5, 6 and 7 are currently closed to new admissions, but we have taken the difficult decision to suspend non-essential visiting across the entire hospital in an effort to prevent any further spread.
“We understand the vital support that family and friends provide and are sorry for how this will affect you.
“Ward iPads are available to support people to stay in touch with friends and family virtually.
“For further information, patients and their families should speak with our ward staff.”
Mrs Pearson said that people with planned appointments should not attend if they have symptoms. Advice, in needed, should be sought from 111 or a GP.
She added that ward closures were limiting the ability to admit patients to hospital wards and this was impacting Dr Gray’s Emergency Department.
She said: “We would assure the public that those facing life-threatening situations are continuing to be seen rapidly for life-saving treatment, as an absolute priority.
“It is vital patients phone NHS 24 on 111 before attending the Emergency Department or a Minor Injury Unit – unless the situation is life-threatening, for instance a suspected stroke of heart attack, in which case you should call 999.
“Using the 111 service allows us to keep waiting times to a minimum and better manage hospital capacity.”
For visitors, there are a number of occasions when a visit will be considered essential. These are
- When someone is reaching the end of their life
- If someone has dementia/delirium and needs family support
- Support for someone with a learning disability
- A family member who has caring responsibilities
- Parents of a child in hospital
- Support during pregnancy and childbirth, including outpatient appointments, ante-natal and post-natal care
- Situations where someone is receiving life-changing information
