Safety measures after hot water discolouration at maternity unit

Precautionary safety measures have been put in place within maternity services at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after discolouration was noticed in hot water.

The neonatal unit has temporarily paused external admissions and the birthing pools are out of use as investigations continue.

NHS Lothian said discolouration was identified in hot water from a number of outlets within the maternity unit on Wednesday afternoon.

Cold and drinking water are not affected and investigations are under way to establish the cause of the hot water issue.

The health board said medical and infection prevention and control teams have assessed that any risk to mothers, babies, visitors or staff is "very low".

It added that maternity services continue to operate with some short-term precautions in place.

Michelle Carr, the health board's acute services chief officer, moved to reassure patients, families, and staff that "health and safety is our highest priority" and that "a highly-precautionary approach" was being taken.

"Both NHS Lothian and our estates contractor are working hard to resolve the issue swiftly and the situation is being closely monitored," she said.

"Enhanced infection prevention and control measures are also in place.

"We are grateful to our patients and visitors for their understanding and co-operation."

The health board said precautionary safety measures were introduced quickly and will remain in place while further assessments and actions are carried out.

An incident management team made up of infection control, water engineers, microbiological and clinical teams has been established to oversee the investigation promptly.

NHS Lothian's maternity services operate across two hospital sites.

The health board said patients may be treated at either Edinburgh Royal Infirmary or St John's Hospital sites depending upon clinical need and capacity, as usual.