Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock to transfer cancer patients after mould infections

A cancer ward at a Scottish hospital has been closed after an outbreak of an illness linked to mould and another that is described as “hard to treat”.

A “very small” number of patients were discovered to have Aspergillosis at the oncology ward at the University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock.

The illness, which can be caused by breathing in tiny bits of mould found in dust, damp buildings and air conditioning systems, presents a high risk to vulnerable people.

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NHS Ayrshire & Arran said the cause of the fungus is under investigation and it has been working closely with Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland (ARHAI).

Jennifer Wilson, nurse director, said: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran identified a very small number of patients with Aspergillosis within a ward in University Hospital Crosshouse earlier this year.

“Aspergillosis is usually caused by inhaling tiny pieces of Aspergillus mould. The source of the Aspergillus is currently under investigation.

“We notified Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland (ARHAI) of the incident in line with the national reporting requirements and are working closely with them.

“While we have taken measures to address the issue, in order to complete essential maintenance to the ward infrastructure, we are currently exploring alternative ward accommodation to allow these works to take place.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, it is not possible to release any further information at this time.”

In a separate incident, other patients in the same ward tested positive for the bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

S. maltophilia, which can be passed on by human touch, is described as “difficult to treat” due to its resistance to many antibiotics.

Mortality rates can be as high as 69% in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients.

The health board said “the issue has been thoroughly investigated and is now closed”.

“In a separate incident, we also identified a very small number of patients with Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia infection. This issue has been thoroughly investigated and is now closed”, Mrs Wilson added.