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Two wards at Caithness General Hospital closed after Covid outbreak


By Alan Hendry

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NHS Highland said all appropriate infection prevention and control measures had been put in place at Caithness General Hospital.
NHS Highland said all appropriate infection prevention and control measures had been put in place at Caithness General Hospital.

Two wards at Caithness General Hospital have been closed to new admissions after an outbreak of Covid-19.

NHS Highland says patients are being clinically assessed and monitored, with normal patient care continuing.

The health board announced today that it was experiencing an outbreak of the virus in both the Bignold and Rosebank wards and also pointed out that there is a high level of staff sickness.

"All appropriate infection prevention and control measures have been put in place," NHS Highland said in a statement. "We have closed both wards to new admissions and have created additional space within the hospital for non-positive Covid-19 patients."

Mike Hayward, NHS Highland’s deputy chief officer for acute services, said: “We have taken measures to ensure we are able to continue to admit acute patients to the hospital by opening additional space within Caithness General Hospital and closing both Bignold and Rosebank wards due to outbreaks of Covid-19. We also have a high level of staff sickness within the hospital and wider community.

“These measures have not been taken lightly. However, they will give us the best chance of containing the spread of Covid-19 and allow us to care for all of the patients in the hospital.

“Unfortunately, we have also placed the hospital into essential visiting only. If your visit is essential, please contact the ward your relative or loved one is in, and the staff will support you with arrangements.

“We recognise these arrangements are not ideal and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. These measures will be reviewed on a regular basis.”

NHS Highland says it is more important than ever to keep to the guidance about distancing, hand-washing and wearing face coverings.

The spread of the virus can be reduced by taking regular lateral flow tests and booking a PCR test if you have symptoms.

Anyone requiring urgent care should always contact NHS 24 on 111. In an emergency, 999 should always be called.

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