Investigations into deadly coronavirus outbreak at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital

Investigations are underway into an outbreak of coronavirus in an Edinburgh hospital that has left a “very small number” of patients dead.

NHS Lothian is looking into the outbreak within a cancer ward at the city’s Western General.

The number of deaths is fewer than five, with six other patients confirmed to have Covid-19.

Further tests are being carried out, and the hospital’s oncology ward has been closed to new admissions and discharges.

In a statement, the health board said: “Sadly, a very small number of patients, who had tested positive for the virus, have since died. Our thoughts are with their family at this sad time. We are unable to be specific about the number because the total is fewer than five.

“Six other patients have been confirmed with COVID-19 and the oncology ward has been closed to new admissions and discharges while investigations are underway and to allow tests to be carried out.

“All patients have been told of the outbreak and contact tracing, where necessary for visitors or outpatients, is being carried out by NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team and the nationwide Test and Protect teams.”

Dr Donald Inverarity, Consultant Microbiologist, NHS Lothian, and Chair of the Incident Management Team (IMT), said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and I would like to express our sincere condolences.

“A multidisciplinary IMT was immediately established and all necessary infection control measures are in place. The situation will continue to be reviewed and monitored very closely.

“The enhanced outbreak testing regime allows us to identify staff and patients who have the virus before they become symptomatic.

“That gives us the opportunity to introduce enhanced infection control measures and barriers sooner than we would previously have been able. It allows staff to begin self-isolation and patients to be moved into co-horted groups before they become symptomatic, which in turn reduces the likelihood of passing on the infection to others.

“Patient safety is our main priority and while we understand that the request not to go home for the weekend may be upsetting, it is necessary. It will help reduce the risk of onwards transmission and protect their families and the wider community. I would like to thank patients and their families for their co-operation and understanding.”