Precautionary measures in place at Edinburgh children's ward after mould discovery

Precautionary measures have been put in place at a children’s ward in Edinburgh following the discovery of mould.

An environmental review carried out at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People found the mould behind a wallcovering in bathrooms in the Lochranza ward, which looks after oncology and haematology patients.

NHS Lothian has confirmed that measures, including the provision of filtered ultraclean air into the room, have been put in place to protect those who are most vulnerable.

Other bathrooms in the hospital are now being inspected to ensure they are also not affected. The health board has confirmed that the ward is continuing to function as normal and that no patients are unwell as a result of the incident.

It is believed the mould was caused by a defective join between wall and floor coverings, which allowed shower water ingress.

Alison Macdonald, nurse director at NHS Lothian, 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.”

A multi-disciplinary Incident Management Team, made up of infection control, microbiological and clinical teams, has been established to oversee and direct the urgent programme of investigation and remedial works which will be carried out by the maintenance contractor.