There are no new cases today. The infection is now only in Ward 4C, which has four patients who have been confirmed with Clostridium difficile. All three have mild symptoms. The ward remains closed to new admissions or transfers.
One of the original patients with Clostridium difficile, who was considered well enough to be discharged from Raigmore Hospital to Belford Hospital in Fort William, has developed mild symptoms. This patient is being cared for separately to other patients.
The infection control team at Raigmore Hospital continues to monitor the situation very closely and is taking all necessary actions.
The team would like to reiterate that the risks to healthy patients, visitors and staff are minimal.
Ends
Notes to editors:
Measures being taken include:
• Closure of an affected ward (4c) to eliminate the risk of cross infection to newly admitted patients and to allow specialist cleaning to happen
• Isolation of symptomatic patients
• Increased frequency of routine cleaning
• Ongoing intensive surveillance across the hospital
• Limiting the use of broad spectrum antibiotics
• Scrupulous compliance with hand-hygiene by staff and visitors to reduce the risk of spread in the hospital environment
• Heightened awareness of control measures among staff, patients and visitors
