Ward 12 remains closed due to confirmed norovirus

Ward 12 at the Borders General Hospital remains closed to admissions due to confirmed norovirus.

There is also increased incidence of people in the community experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

Visitors to Ward 12 are strongly discouraged at this time.

Charlie Sinclair, Associate Director of Nursing says; "I would like to thank the public for their response to our request earlier in the week, to only visit the hospital when absolutely necessary.

"The weekend is a popular time for visiting friends and family but once again I would urge people to carefully consider their visit, and to stay away from any hospital ward if you or anyone in your family has experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the past 48 hours.

"Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting illness. It is very infectious and spreads quickly between people. This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities. However it doesn't just occur in hospitals, and can start abruptly and spread quickly through communities.

"Action by patients, visitors and staff can help support us to deliver safe patient care and minimise the impact of a potential norovirus outbreak, and we are urging visitors to comply with any instructions you are given by staff or you see on signs at the entrances to wards. This is vital to protect yourselves and your loved ones from catching this unpleasant virus, particularly as your friends or family members currently in hospital may be more vulnerable to the virus than usual.

"Thank you for your cooperation."

For further updates, please visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk