COVID cluster confirmed at The Balfour

A ward at The Balfour has been closed to new admissions, after the discovery of a COVID-19 cluster.

What has been described by NHS Orkney as “a small cluster” of COVID-19 cases has been confirmed in the Inpatients Two ward at the hospital. COVID was not the cause of admission for these patients.

As a precautionary measure the ward is currently closed to new admissions, with visiting limited to essential visitors only.

The health authority has urged all visitors to undertake a lateral flow test before coming into the hospital.

NHSO Medical director Dr Mark Henry said: “We would like to thank recent visitors who immediately informed us after testing positive for Covid, as this ensured we then were aware to re-test their relatives.

“This swift action allowed us to take early preventative measures.

“At this point in time there is no necessity to change or cancel planned activity in the hospital.”