A Scottish hospital has been forced to shut down two wards after potentially fatal bacteria was discovered in its water supply.
Patients within elderly care wards at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley have been transferred elsewhere in the facility following a positive test for legionella within a “standalone” building.
There is no suggestion that any patients have been affected by the discovery but remedial work to clear the supply of the bacteria – which can cause Legionnaires’ disease – is now under way.
Wards 36 and 37, where the issue was uncovered, are responsible for providing “older people services” and mental health care for elderly patients respectively.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said both are situated in their own building away from the main site and there is no impact on the wider hospital.
Morag Gardner, deputy nurse director acute at NHSGGC, said: “I would like to emphasise that the appropriate action has been taken to ensure the best possible patient centred care continues to be provided.”
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