Also in May:
May 14 2009
NHSG/65/09
Today eight patients are affected by C.diff, six in ward nine and two in ward seven. The clinical condition of these patients is not giving cause for concern. However, both wards will remain closed for new admssions until patients are 48 hours symptom free.
Since April 1, there have been a total of 17 confirmed cases. The outbreak is contained in wards seven and nine.
No other wards in Dr Gray's have patients who have tested C.diff positive. However, there are some patients in the hospital with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea and who have tested positive for norovirus, which is circulating in the community. All appropriate measures to stop spread of this virus have been put in place.
The outbreak control team will meet daily to monitor the situation and oversee the measures put in place to control the infection. The hospital team in Dr Gray's has dedicated staff to support the patients affected, and to ensure that control measures are implemented meticulously. They are working in close collaboration with the laboratories in Aberdeen.
Patients, relatives and visitors are reminded that they can play their part by regularly washing their hands with soap and warm water to minimise the risk of catching and spreading this infection. Visitors to the wards should follow any infection control guidance from staff. Relatives and friends with gastrointestinal symptoms are being asked not to visit patients in the hospital.
Clostridium Difficile (C.difficile) is a bacterium that causes diarrhoea and more serious intestinal conditions such as colitis. It is found in around one in fifty healthy adults who carry the bug without showing any symptoms. People who have other illnesses or conditions requiring prolonged use of antibiotics and the elderly are more likely to show symptoms.
Norovirus, also known as 'winter vomiting disease', is a common cause of viral gastrointestinal illness which can occur at any time of year. It can easily spread between people either through food or the environment. As always, anyone suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea should be very careful with their hand hygiene and should not attend work, school or public gatherings until 48 hours after their symptoms have settled.
Updated figures will be issued on a daily basis following the meeting of the outbreak control team.
Corporate Communications
NHS Grampian