A ward at Crosshouse Hospital has been locked down following a coronavirus outbreak.
An unspecified number of cases have been linked to a unit at the Kilmarnock hospital, NHS Ayrshire & Arran bosses confirmed today.
Health board bosses say the ward has been closed to new admissions while affected staff, patients and their families are informed of the development.
Medical Director Dr Crawford McGuffie admitted that while it was a very worrying time, the health board is taking every measure to protect staff and patients.
Dr McGuffie added: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran can confirm that a very small number of cases connected to a ward in University Hospital Crosshouse have tested positive for COVID-19.
"Further appropriate infection prevention and control measures have been implemented, and we are in the process of informing affected staff, patients and their families.
"The ward is currently closed to new admissions.
"We have notified Health Protection Scotland of the incident in line with the national reporting requirements.
"We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure members of the public that every measure is being taken to protect patients and staff.
"To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.
"We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell.
"Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately."
