NHS Lothian has put a series of temporary, proactive measures in place within maternity services at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) following the identification of an issue with hot water quality in the department.
Medical and infection prevention and control teams have assessed that any risk to mothers, babies, visitors or staff is very low and maternity services continue to operate with some short-term precautions in place. NHS Lothian’s maternity services operate over two hospital sites and, as per the usual process, patients may be treated at either the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh or St John’s Hospital depending upon clinical need and capacity.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, discolouration was identified in hot water at a number of outlets within the maternity unit and investigations are currently underway to confirm the cause. Cold and drinking water is not affected.
Precautionary safety measures were quickly introduced and will remain in place while further assessments and actions are carried out. Following a risk assessment, the neonatal unit has temporarily paused external admissions and the birthing pools are currently out of use. These measures follow nationally recognised best practice.
Existing infection prevention and control measures – already standard across all maternity departments – remain firmly in place.
Michelle Carr, Chief Officer – Acute Services, NHS Lothian said:
“We understand that this situation may cause concern and want to reassure patients, families and staff that health and safety is our highest priority and we are taking a highly precautionary approach while we work through this issue.
“Both NHS Lothian and our estates contractor are working hard to resolve the issue swiftly and the situation is being closely monitored. Enhanced infection prevention and control measures are also in place.
“We are grateful to our patients and visitors for their understanding and cooperation.”
An expert multi-disciplinary Incident Management Team – made up of infection control, water engineers, microbiological and clinical teams – has been established to oversee the investigation and ensure prompt resolution.
