Latest news with #NHSBorders
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to Scots after ‘extremely contagious' outbreak
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTTISH health board has issued an urgent warning following an "extremely contagious" outbreak. NHS Borders has urged people not to visit loved ones in hospital amid an increase in the number of patients with norovirus. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The health board is experiencing significant pressure with long waits for admission to the Borders General Hospital Credit: Crispin Rodwell 3 Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea Credit: Getty The illness is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. In a statement, the health board said it is experiencing "significant pressure across the healthcare system with long waits for admission to the Borders General Hospital." Anyone feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of infection is being urged to not visit family or friends in healthcare settings. This can help prevent the spread of illnesses to vulnerable patients who are more susceptible to tummy bugs and other common illnesses which visitors can unknowingly pass on. Hand hygiene is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family and friends from infections. When you are attending hospitals or health centres, wash your hands with soap and water or use the hand gel dispensers available on entering and leaving the building, and individual wards and departments. Sarah Horan, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: "Norovirus is circulating in our communities. We know how much it means to visit loved ones in hospital, but we must do everything we can to reduce the spread of illnesses. "What feels like a minor stomach bug or cold to you could have serious consequences if passed on to someone who is already unwell. "It is therefore essential that everyone plays their part in preventing the spread of these infections. "One of the simplest ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones is by regularly washing your hands with warm water and soap. What are the norovirus symptoms and how long does the winter vomiting bug last? "Hand sanitiser is conveniently placed around healthcare settings, so when you see it, please use it, especially if soap and water is not immediately available. "By staying home if you are feeling ill and practising good hand hygiene when visiting healthcare settings, you are playing a vital role in keeping our patients, staff and wider communities safe." Norovirus symptoms Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days. Symptoms of norovirus The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include: feeling sick being sick (vomiting) diarrhoea You may also have: a high temperature a headache tummy pain body aches and pains Although it's sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year. Source: NHS
STV News
22-04-2025
- Health
- STV News
Health board facing 'extreme pressure' amid norovirus outbreak
A Scottish health board said it is facing 'extreme pressure' amid a norovirus outbreak. NHS Borders has urged people not to visit loved ones following an 'extremely contagious' outbreak of the illness which causes diarrhoea and/or vomiting. In a statement the board confirmed it is 'currently experiencing significant pressure across the healthcare system, with long waits for admission to the Borders General Hospital'. It comes just a couple of weeks after NHS Borders said that its community hospitals and emergency departments are currently operating at full capacity. Anyone feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of infection is being asked not to visit family or friends in healthcare settings within the area. Sarah Horan, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: 'Norovirus is circulating in our communities. We know how much it means to visit loved ones in hospital, but we must do everything we can to reduce the spread of illnesses. 'What feels like a minor stomach bug or cold to you could have serious consequences if passed on to someone who is already unwell. It is therefore essential that everyone plays their part in preventing the spread of these infections. 'One of the simplest ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones is by regularly washing your hands with warm water and soap. Hand sanitiser is conveniently placed around healthcare settings, so when you see it, please use it, especially if soap and water is not immediately available. 'By staying home if you are feeling ill and practising good hand hygiene when visiting healthcare settings, you are playing a vital role in keeping our patients, staff and wider communities safe.' . Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
14-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
All patients moved out of Knoll Hospital in Duns for RAAC repairs
All patients have been transferred out of a Borders community hospital so urgent repairs can be carried Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was found at the 23-bed Knoll Hospital and health centre in Duns in 2023 but thought not to present any "immediate risk".However, in-depth surveys found work was needed to its roof "as soon possible" and the decision to close was taken late last Borders said all the patients who were being treated in the hospital had now found alternative locations for their care. The health board said alternative accommodation for the majority of affected services had also now been identified and work had started to schedule said that could include continuing some services on site away from RAAC affected areas - if it was safe to do Bone, director of finance, estates and facilities, said: "I would like to thank all staff involved including our social work colleagues for their continued hard work, as well as our patients, their families and carers, the community of Duns and the surrounding areas for your patience and understanding."Further updates will follow as arrangements are confirmed and frequently asked questions can be found on the NHS Borders website." What is RAAC? RAAC is a lightweight material that was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete, is quicker to produce and easier to is aerated, or "bubbly", like an Aero chocolate it is less durable and has a lifespan of around 30 structural behaviour differs significantly from traditional reinforced it is susceptible to structural failure when exposed to moisture. The bubbles can allow water to enter the material.
