186 patients at risk of rare infection contacted by NHS Lothian after deaths

NHS Lothian has contacted 186 surgery patients who are at risk of a rare infection - after a number of deaths.

The health board says it is contacted the patients - who underwent aortic valve heart surgery from 2015 - as a precaution.

It comes after 5 or less patients died from a unusual infection caused by micro organisms commonly found in the environment where the operations took place.

Four planned surgeries have also been cancelled this week to allow for "specialist cleaning and disinfection of the theatres used for this type of procedure". Infection control measures have also been put in place.

Professor Alex McMahon, NHS Lothian Executive Lead for Infection Control said: “We extend our sincere apologies and deepest condolences to the families of the patients who died, all of whom were informed at the time of their treatment that they had an unusual and difficult to treat infection.

Commenting on the decision to contact all patients who have had this procedure over the last six months, he said:

“We know this will be a worrying time for those who have received letters but we have contacted patients purely as a precaution. The risk is very low and we do not anticipate any more cases, however we know that it can take up to six months for these infections to materialise. We want to make sure those patients know what symptoms to be aware of and to contact NHS Inform if they have any concerns.

“Many patients receiving this type of surgery are already very ill and vulnerable to infection so we place the highest importance on a stringent infection prevention and control regime.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment caused to the patients who have had their procedures cancelled this week but we must prioritise patient safety above all else. All those affected will be given new appointments as soon as possible.