Another patient dies in coronavirus outbreak at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital
The total number of patients who've died in the outbreak is still fewer than five
Health officials investigating a coronavirus outbreak at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital have confirmed another patient has died after testing positive.
The number of people who have lost their lives amid the cluster is still fewer than five, although we aren't being told the exact number.
Three more patients and six members of staff have tested positive for Covid-19 since the outbreak was first revealed on Friday.
However, NHS Lothian says it remains confined to the same oncology ward.
The health board's added that further testing is being carried out, and all relevant contacts have been told to self-isolate.
Dr Donald Inverarity, Consultant Microbiologist, NHS Lothian, and Chair of the Incident Management Team (IMT), said: “We are greatly concerned that another patient has died and wish again to express our condolences to their grieving family.”
“NHS Lothian responded promptly, implementing a range of infection control measures, which we believe has contained the outbreak to one ward.”
“Patient safety is our main priority and we want to reassure patients attending our hospitals that they should continue to come for treatment. It is very important in particular, that patients undergoing treatment for cancer continue to attend their appointments and we assure them that it is safe to do so.”
“Enhanced infection control measures are in place throughout the hospital. All outpatients, visitors and staff are required to wear face coverings or masks in all areas and there are hand sanitising stations throughout the hospital. We are also conducting increased COVID-19 screening of staff and patients.”
“The situation continues to be closely reviewed and monitored. I want to thank everyone who has been affected for their ongoing cooperation and understanding.”
All visits and new arrivals to the affected ward have been suspended while the investigation continues.
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