Virus-hit ward remains shut after nearly two weeks

Ward 10 has been closed to new patients since Friday, January 10, and since then parts of wards 4, 5 and 12 have also been affected.

The latest is that all of ward 10 is closed, with two bays in ward 12 and one in ward 4 also shut due to ‘gastro-intestinal symptoms’.

Dr Ed James, consultant microbiologist with NHS Borders’ infection prevention control team, said: “If there are signs that staff or patients are developing symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, then rapid closure of the ward, or part of the ward, must be considered.

“Conditions for reopening a ward or bay affected by diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms normally include at least a 48-hour break in the development of new cases.

“Another factor is the ability to deep clean the affected area, which can normally only be achieved once patients have been discharged or transferred. ­Areas dealing with patients with longer hospitals stays, such as rehabilitation units, may therefore be closed longer than general wards.”

Norovirus is highly infectious and can spread quickly between people.