Hospital suspends visits after vomiting outbreak

Three wards at Dr Gray's have been closed to new admissions

NHS Grampian has suspended visiting to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin after an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

The health board said three wards had been closed to new admissions and only essential visitors would be allowed at the Moray hospital.

It comes after a critical incident at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, which saw several patients diverted to Dr Gray's to help NHS Grampian cope with pressure on services.

More than 50 patients and staff have been affected at the hospital, which has been operating at 124% occupancy for the last week.

Dr Gray’s duty manager, Louise Pearson, said: “We have made this decision to protect patients, family members and staff until the situation is resolved.

“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."

Only essential visitors will be allowed on site. This includes parents of child patients, family of patients at the end of life, carers and supporters for dementia or learning disabilities, and supporters for pregnancy and childbirth.

Ms Pearson added: “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."

Ambulances were diverted from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary last week

On Saturday NHS Grampian stood down a critical incident that saw ambulances diverted to hospitals outside its area.

The board said there had been sustained and continuing demands on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI).

Patients had been moved to Elgin and Dundee where "clinically appropriate".

NHS Grampian said in the last week average occupancy at ARI was 111% and Dr Gray’s in Elgin was at 124%.

Neither hospital has been under 100% occupancy since September.

The critical incident led to some elective procedures and appointments being postponed, although not cancer treatment or diagnostic tests.

NHS Grampian chief executive Adam Coldwells thanked health and social care staff for working tirelessly during a "challenging situation".