NHS Lothian reveals mould found in ward at Edinburgh's new Sick Kids hospital
Mould has been found on a ward treating cancer patients at Edinburgh's new Sick Kids hospital.
NHS Lothian said investigations were under way after the problem was identified in some of the patient bathrooms on Lochranza ward.
It said an environmental review had identified the presence of mould behind a wallcovering in bathrooms and it was believed a defective join between wall and floor coverings had allowed water from the showers to get in.
The health board stressed that no patients were unwell as a result of the mould. It said patients and families have been made aware, but the ward - which looks after oncology and haematology patients remained open and was functioning normally.
A statement said immediate precautionary measures had been put in place to protect patients who were more vulnerable to infections because of weakened immune systems.
And an update meeting held on Monday heard that other bathrooms were currently being checked to ensure no more were affected.
NHS Lothian nurse director Alison Macdonald said: “We know this will be worrying for some families. We need to reassure them that our clinical, microbiological and infection control teams have assessed the situation as low risk.
“Nevertheless, this is being treated extremely seriously. Infection control measures have been enhanced and the situation is being monitored very closely.
“Patients may need to be moved into a new room while the investigation and remedial work is carried out, but families are being kept up to date.”
The new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People at Little France came fully into operation in March 2021, 20 months after its official opening was cancelled at the last minute in July 2019 because ventilation in the critical care unit did not meet the required standards.
NHS Lothian said in relation to the discovery of mould that there were no concerns about the way the ward ventilation is functioning or maintained.