C.diff cases close cancer ward at Raigmore Hospital

A cancer ward at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been closed following three cases of the potentially fatal bug, Clostridium difficile (C.diff).

The three patients are being treated in isolation and 2C, an oncology ward, has been closed to new admissions.

NHS Highland said the risk to healthy patients, visitors and staff were minimal.

Frequency of cleaning in the hospital will be increased as part of efforts to prevent further cases.

In February, Ward 6C was closed temporarily after a patient was affected by C.diff.

The previous month 10 patients at the hospital were affected by the bug.

C.diff particularly affects patients who are on strong antibiotics.

Dr Rod Harvey, associate medical director at Raigmore, said all necessary actions were being taken.

He said: "The actions we are taking are largely to reduce the risk of the infection spreading within the ward environment.

"Staff have already spoken to patients and have also contacted relatives of patients in the affected area to advise them of the situation and to discuss visiting arrangements.

"We would like to reassure patients who are already planned to come in for treatment that they will be accommodated elsewhere in the hospital."