COVID-19 outbreak at Caithness General Hospital

19th March 2022

Caithness General Hospital is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 in both Bignold and Rosebank wards.

Patients are being clinically assessed and monitored with normal patient care continuing.

All appropriate infection prevention and control measures have been put in place. 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."

It is more important than ever to keep to guidance about distancing, hand washing, and wearing a face covering.

You can reduce the spread of COVID-19 by taking regular LFD tests and booking a PCR test if you have symptoms.

Anyone requiring urgent care should always contact NHS 24 on 111. People should always call 999 in an emergency.