Coronavirus outbreak at maternity unit

A coronavirus outbreak has been confirmed at Ayrshire Maternity Unit, pictured right .

NHS Ayrshire & Arran bosses confirmed that a number of cases are connected to a ward at the Crosshouse Hospital unit.

Chiefs added that affected staff, patients and families have been notified of the development.

The news emerges weeks after officials announced that all patients arriving at the unit would be tested for COVID-19 and would apply to women being admitted for induction of labour, elective caesarean section and any emergency admissions.

Dr Crawford McGuffie, Medical Director at NHS Ayrshire & Arran said: “Affected staff, patients and their families have been informed.

“Patients continue to be cared for with the appropriate infection control measures in place including enhanced environmental disinfection.

“We have notified Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland (ARHAIS) of the incident in line with the national reporting requirements.

“We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure members of the public that every measure is being taken to protect patients and staff.

“We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.”