Fourth child treated after hospital alert
A FOURTH child is being treated for an infection which may be linked to contaminated water at Glasgow’s children’s hospital.
Tests at the Royal Hospital for Children have been extended to four wards as health officials try to establish if the infections are linked to a bacteria which was found in the water supply.
The health board said the bug can pose a risk to children with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing treatment for cancer.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said a fourth child had been re-admitted to the hospital for treatment after showing symptoms of an infection which could be linked to a bacteria found in the water supply.
A spokesman said “robust infection control measures” were in place to protect patients and that there were no reports of any adults being affected.
Scottish Water and Health Protection Scotland are carrying out the tests and the board is installing water filters.
The health board has also given out oral antibiotics due to the low immune system of patients on these wards.
A health board spokesman said: “Three children continue to receive treatments for infections that may be linked to bacteria found in the water supply.
“Tests are ongoing to confirm if they are indeed linked.
“A fourth patient has shown symptoms and has been readmitted to the RHC.
“There are no reports of any patients being infected by bacteria from water in the adult wards.
“A series of infection control measures were introduced to the affected RHC wards at the weekend and water filters are set to be installed.
“As a result, it is hoped that the full water supply will return to normal within 48 hours after appropriate testing has been carried out and it is anticipated this will be mirrored at the QEUH.
“We would like to thank the patients and families in the wards affected in the RHC for their continuing patience and support while the testing was carried out and fitting of filters is being undertaken.”