Kilmarnock hospital in cancer ward mould scare
Patients have had to be moved
Mould found in an East Ayrshire cancer ward was reported in line with guidelines, the health board at the centre of the storm maintains.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran (NHSAA) have confirmed they found a ‘very small’ number of cases of Aspergillosis within the ward at Kilmarnock’s University Hospital Crosshouse recently.
It has resulted in the ward being closed while they look for somewhere to relocate patients.
Aspergillosis is usually caused by inhaling tiny pieces of Aspergillus mould, often found in dust, bedding, damp buildings and air conditioning systems - as well as soil, plants and trees.
And NHSAA insists an inquiry into how this has happened is already underway.
Nurse Director Jennifer Wilson said: “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.”
The health board declined to detail when the infections were initially detected.
However, Ms Wilson did confirm that a bacteria breakout had also been discovered at the hospital and dealt with.
She added: “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.”