NHS Lothian investigating legionella bacteria at Western General Hospital
The health board has discovered legionella bacteria in water supplying parts of the radiotherapy treatment area at the hospital
NHS Lothian has just revealed its investigating the discovery of the legionella bacteria in water supplying parts of the radiotherapy treatment area.
The health board says the source has been isolated and there have been no cases in patients or staff.
The type of Legionella detected does not usually cause infection in humans.
Two specialist radiotherapy treatment machines (Linacs) have been temporarily closed while remedial works continue.
Patients who are normally treated on these Linacs will be reallocated to one of the other five treatment machines at the Western General Hospital which are not affected.
The remaining radiotherapy machines will be run for extended hours to ensure patient appointments continue to be allocated and carried out as quickly as possible.
Alison MacDonald, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian said: “Legionella bacteria was detected during routine water sampling as part of our building monitoring and hygiene vigilance measures.”
“The risk to patients and staff is low but we’ve enhanced infection and control measures across the building as a precaution.
“We assure patients that radiotherapy treatments will continue to be carried out as quickly as possible and apologise to anyone who has been affected or had their appointment rescheduled.”
The situation is being closely monitored and continuously assessed. Patients will be kept informed of any changes and should speak to their treatment team if they have any concerns.