Non-essential visiting suspended at Dr Gray’s Hospital following diarrhoea and vomiting outbreak

Published: 01/12/2024 16:34
Dr Gray’s Hospital, in Elgin, has suspended non-essential visiting following an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.
 
More than 50 patients and staff have so far been affected - with three wards closed to new admissions as a result.
 
Duty manager at DGH, 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 as a result of the outbreak, 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.”
 
The following are examples of where an essential visit will be supported for family members:
  • 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
“We’d also ask patients with planned appointments not to attend if they have symptoms and to seek advice, in needed, from 111 or their GP surgery.”
 
Mrs Pearson added the 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.”