Bug takes hold at hospital

Infection control measures are in place

The number of new cases of the winter vomiting bug at a Scottish hospital has increased, health chiefs have warned.

The outbreak at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride has now affected 32 patients and 40 staff.

Three new patients and four new members of staff developed symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting over the past 24 hours.

The condition of four elderly patients continues to give staff cause for concern but health officials said the patients all had underlying medical conditions.

Wards closed

Dr Dugald Baird, consultant microbiologist and infection control doctor, said on Saturday: "We have held a further meeting of the outbreak control team this morning and we are cautiously optimistic that the outbreak has peaked and that the number of new cases reflects a consistently downward trend.

"We will be keeping three wards closed to new admissions and will continue to monitor the situation with a high degree of vigilance."

The outbreak control team will review the position again on Sunday.

On Friday it emerged that a pensioner, who had been giving cause for concern following the outbreak, died in the early hours of the morning.

The virus generally lasts for between 24 and 48 hours and there is no treatment beyond ensuring adequate fluid intake.