The current situation is (as at midday today) that the infection remains contained and there are still only four patients in Raigmore Hospital confirmed with Clostridium difficile. Their infection is mild and it is anticipated that they will all recover from the infection over the next few days. One patient is being discharged later today.
Ward 4C remains closed to new admissions or transfers. Any patient requiring a surgical admission will be admitted to one of the other surgical wards.
Commenting on the situation Dr Rod Harvey, Associate Medical Director for Raigmore Hospital said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation very closely and all necessary actions are being taken. I would like to reiterate that the risks to healthy patients, visitors and staff are minimal. The hospital, including all surgical operations, is running as normal.”
NHS Highland has advised that any member of the public who has recently been an inpatient in Raigmore Hospital and is concerned about symptoms of diahorrea should contact NHS24 or their GP in the first instance.
Ends
Notes to editors:
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium which particularly affects patients on strong antibiotics. It is spread in the faeces through bacteria and by spores which allow the bacteria to survive in the environment. It is a serious problem for hospitals because many patients are on antibiotics and are also already sick which makes them susceptible.
When controlling Clostridium difficile there is no single solution but 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
