Admissions to ward paused amid rising cases of Influenza B at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway

Admissions to a hospital ward in the Outer Hebrides’ largest town have been paused due to the breakout of a flu bug.

Western Isles Hospital, in Stornoway, has warned members of the public not to visit loved ones in hospital if they are feeling unwell, and to only visit if “necessary”.

It comes after Medical Ward 2 in the hospital was forced to restrict new admissions due to the spread of Influenza B among its patients.

Visitors are also being urged to practice good hygiene by regularly washing their hands to prevent the spread of viruses and to wait for symptoms to pass before attending hospital.

Influenza B is a highly contagious type of virus that causes symptoms like fever, headache, chills, cough, congestion, and body aches.

A spokesperson for the NHS said: “Medical Ward 2 in Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway is closed to new admissions until further notice, as a result of a small number of cases of Influenza B.

“A Problem Assessment Group (PAG) has been established to ensure all necessary measures are in place to prevent further spread within the ward.

“To help prevent further spread, medical admissions to the ward will be restricted until further notice.

“In terms of hospital visiting, we are asking friends and relatives of inpatients in Medical Ward 2 to only visit if necessary and to restrict the number of people visiting patients.

“This is to ensure our patients are protected, but also to ensure that visitors do not contract Influenza B. Please ensure you do not visit patients if you feel unwell. Visitors should ensure they wash their hands before and after visiting.”