Monklands ward shut down over traces of deadly fungal infection

A ward at a Lanarkshire hospital has been shut down after traces of a deadly fungus were identified during improvement works.

During the work to the ventilation system in Monklands Hospital's haematology ward (ward 16) traces of aspergillus were identified.

2019 outbreak in QEUH

Aspergillus is a common mould, a type of fungus, that lives indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe in aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to aspergillus.

The infection was linked to the deaths of several patients at Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, following an outbreak there in 2019.

Health board takes precautions

The health board has closed the ward and moved patients to the neighbouring ward while the work is finished.

They have also taken a number of precautionary measures in ward 16, introducing portable HEPA filters and prescribing anti-fungal medication to patients not already receiving it.

None of the patients are showing any signs or symptoms of aspergillosis.

Lynn Mack, NHS Lanarkshire Cancer Services Manager, said: “As soon as aspergillus was identified we took active steps to carry out further testing and identify the necessary steps we needed to take to allow us provide the safest environment we can for some of our most vulnerable patients.

“NHS Lanarkshire follows the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (ARHAI) Scotland guidance and all standard infection prevention and control measures are in place to keep patients and staff safe.”

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