Investigation into bug at Kirkwall care home

Orkney Health and Care is investigating a number of incidents of diarrhoea and vomiting among staff and residents at St Rognvald House, Kirkwall.

As a precautionary measure, OHAC is asking that people do not visit residents of the St Mary’s Unit until the cause is known.

Caroline Sinclair, head of service with OHAC, said: “The welfare of residents and staff is our primary concern. By requesting, on a temporary basis, that people don’t visit relatives we are seeking to prevent further cases of illness from occurring.

“We are working with colleagues from NHS Orkney and the council’s environmental health team and hope that normal visiting will resume as soon as possible.

“In general, we would advise anyone feeling ill not to visit residents of our care facilities or the Balfour Hospital.”