Influenza Outbreak closes Ward 12 at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
Over the weekend (3-4 January 2015) NHS Dumfries and Galloway has taken the precautionary measure to close Ward 12 at the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, due to an outbreak of influenza.
Ward 12 is closed to new admissions, transfers and routine visiting has been temporarily restricted. A total of 11 patients and 2 members are confirmed to have influenza.
All appropriate infection control procedures have been put in place and the hospital’s Infection Control Team is continually monitoring the situation. Full outbreak control measures have been implemented.
Elaine Ross, Infection Control Manager, said:
“We can confirm that influenza (flu) A is circulating in the community. This is generally a mild illness relieved by rest, fluid and mild pain killers. However, in the very young, elderly or immune-compromised symptoms may be more severe.
“Our priority is always patient, public and staff safety. We appreciate that this temporary visiting restriction to Ward 12 may cause some frustration but we believe this measure will allow us to help prevent further spread of the infection and ensure safe patient care.
“Where circumstances are such that relatives are concerned about the need to visit their loved ones in Ward 12, they are asked to contact the ward before coming to the hospital.
Flu spreads easily in the community but the simple message remains ‘Catch it, Bin it , Kill it’ Use a paper tissue when coughing, bin it and wash your hands or use alcohol hand rub to prevent spreading it to others.”
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