Alert as norovirus hits Campbeltown Hospital

Members of the public should avoid Campbeltown Hospital unless it is an emergency. Staff and patients have been struck down by the highly contagious norovirus. An NHS spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that it was the virus, also called the winter vomiting bug, although it can be contracted at any time of the year, causing diarrhoea and vomiting. Greenwood Residential Unit, which shares its premises with Woodlands Resource Centre, has been hit by a similar illness but it had not been confirmed as norovirus when the Courier went to press. It was announced last Friday that a Woodlands open day, scheduled to take place yesterday, had been postponed. The spokesperson said that the event had been rearranged ‘as a precaution’ to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus. A statement from the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership on Monday advised that visiting access at both facilities was restricted and that those planning to visit should first contact the nurse in charge at the hospital and the unit manager at Greenwood. The statement said: ‘If you, or someone you live with, has had diarrhoea and vomiting we would ask you to refrain from coming to the hospital or residential unit until you are clear of symptoms for 48 hours. ‘People should also adhere to strict hand-washing techniques to reduce the spread of the virus.’ The hospital is reviewing the restrictions daily but people can remain contagious even after they are clear of symptoms. Woodlands Resource Centre’s open day has been rescheduled for November 15 when the public can see round the adult day care facility from 1pm until 3pm to meet the staff and browse information stands on classes, groups and activities.