A HOSPITAL ward has been closed following a flu outbreak. Ward 9 at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary was closed over the weekend after an outbreak of Norovirus, which is affecting 11 patients. It is currently closed to new admissions, transfers and routine visiting. Infection control manager Elaine Ross said: “We can confirm that Norovirus is circulating in the community. “This is an unpleasant bug and a person remains infectious for around 48 hours after their last symptoms. “Staying away until fully recovered, hand hygiene with soap and water and cleaning using bleach are our best weapons to stop the spread of infection.” Routine visiting to ward 9 has been suspended and any members of the public wishing to visit relatives and friends are advised not to travel whilst outbreak measures are ongoing. Any relatives who are concerned about their loved ones should contact the ward for advice before coming to the hospital. Members of the public visiting other areas of the hospital are asked to comply with the hand hygiene and infection control measures by using the gel dispensers located around the site or thorough hand-washing. And anyone that has experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting should allow a minimum of 48 hours since their last symptom before visiting the hospital. tags: hospital priority: high front: publish on front page saher: twitter , facebook
LAST Friday was just like any other for Annan couple Rob Macgregor and Evan Mclean