NHS Lothian has temporarily closed two of its specialist vascular procedure labs at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh due to a water leak.
The vascular catheterisation labs are used to provide interventional radiology procedures – minimally invasive procedures using imaging techniques – for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of different conditions. The hospital has four of these labs, with two remaining in full use.
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian, said: “Remedial work is underway following a water leak at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Some mould was located in some areas of the non-clinical environment as a consequence of the water leak. As a precaution, two specialist vascular procedure labs have been taken out of use while it is removed.
“The situation is being monitored closely by an expert multidisciplinary group, which has engaged with our national expert advisors, ARHAI, to support the work. There is no infection risk associated with this leak to staff or patients, and no water has reached the foundations.
“The temporary reduction of clinical areas may result in delays or appointments being rescheduled in some specialist services. Patients do not need to do anything and they will be contacted directly by their clinical team if necessary. We apologise to affected patients for the inconvenience and would reassure them that we are working to restore services safely and as soon as possible.”
