Wards reopen after vomiting bug outbreak

FOUR wards in Lothian hospitals have reopened following an outbreak of a vomiting bug.

Now only five wards are shut after reported cases of the potentially fatal norovirus.

Alison McCallum, NHS Lothian's director of public health, confirmed in a briefing that she was confident the situation was now under control.

Lothians MSP Dr Ian McKee, a former GP, wrote to her asking for the issue to be clarified.

He said: "It was worrying to see an unusually high number of wards closed in Lothian hospitals during December and January as a result of a norovirus outbreak.

"I am satisfied that the situation is now under control and that the number of wards closed has decreased from nine to just five.

"What is crucial is that hospitals observe strict hygiene procedures, particularly during flu and other virus outbreaks."