Hospital on high alert as ward closes due to Covid outbreak

Ward 16 at University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride has been closed to new admissions and transfers.

Jenness Mitchell

26th Jan 2021

A hospital is on high alert following an outbreak of coronavirus.

Ward 16 at University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride has been closed to new admissions and transfers after a number of positive Covid-19 cases were identified in the unit.

NHS Lanarkshire said strict measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of transmission and the situation continues to be “monitored very closely”.

Russell Coulthard, director of hospital services at University Hospital Hairmyres, said: “The safety of our patients and staff is of paramount importance and we would like to reassure everyone that we are taking all necessary action to ensure safe and effective patient care at this time.

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

The health board’s infection prevention and control team is currently in the process of identifying all close contacts of those infected.

Mr Coulthard added: “We wish to remind people of the key symptoms of Covid-19; a new continuous cough, high temperature and/or loss of taste or smell.

“Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.”