Flu outbreak closes ward at Inverness hospital

The Highlands’ flagship hospital has closed a ward to new admissions due to an outbreak of the flu.

Ward 3A – orthopaedics – at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been closed due to an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with the virus.

Two patients have tested positive for flu.

A spokesman for NHS Highland said: “Two patients have tested positive for flu and as a precaution, this is being treated as a possible outbreak.”

Relatives and friends are being asked to avoid visiting the ward if possible, and must inform ward staff nurse upon their arrival.

Last month, Ward 7C – which treats people with renal and gastrointestinal conditions – was closed due to a similar outbreak.

Health bosses closed the ward after eight people showed signs of the seasonal flu.

Another three people later developed symptoms.

The ward was reopened last week.