The issue of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) have once again been reported in Scottish hospitals.
A review has brought to light that six patients had contracted infections after undergoing operations. The patients had developed an unusual infection which had been caused by micro organisms which are commonly found within the environment. The operations had taken place over a period of 18 months. It is thought that the infection could have been acquired during surgery, and it can take up to six months to manifest. Accordingly, patients are being warned of the symptoms.
Several patients who had heart operations at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh died after having surgery.
Now, NHS Lothian have sent correspondence to 186 patients who underwent these specific operations in the last six months, have been notified of the possible risk of infection.
Four planned surgeries which had been due to take place were cancelled as a precautionary measure in order that extensive and specialist cleaning could be carried out in the theatres. It is also reported that further infection control measures have been put into place.
Professor McMahon, the Executive Lead for Infection Control in the NHS commented: “We know this will be a worrying time for those who have received letters but we have contacted patients purely as a precaution.
The risk is very low and we do not anticipate any more cases, however we know that it can take up to sis months for these infections to materialise. We want to make sure those patients know what symptoms to be aware of and to contact NHS Inform of they have any concerns.”
If you, or anyone you know have contracted an infection during a hospital stay, contact our specialist medical negligence team for advice on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form.
