A Midlothian GP practice has been forced to remove all staff and patients from the centre after Legionella was detected in the water supply.
On Wednesday we reported how Strathesk Medical Centre in Bonnyrigg was reduced to emergency appointments only due to the outbreak, but the practice issued an update on Thursday, April 27, informing locals that staff have been removed.
Patients who have a nurse appointment at the centre or blood test have been advised that this will now take place at the Midlothian Community Hospital in Dalkeith.
READ MORE: Edinburgh man rushed to hospital after dog attack in residential area
Strathesk have been following advice from NHS Lothian and Pubic Health while trying to eradicate the potentially deadly disease which can result in a lung infection from inhaling droplets of water from air conditioning or hot tubs.
Legionella is thought to be uncommon but very serious. Taking to social media to inform patients of the 'difficult decision' on Thursday, the practice posted: "There is legionella in the water supply at Bonnyrigg health centre.
"We have made the difficult decision to remove our staff and all patient care from the health centre until we know more about the situation.
"If you have a nurse appointment or blood test today then this will go ahead as planned at the Midlothian Community Hospital. If you need urgent medical care which you feel cannot wait then please call: 07311 216 485 and one of our medical staff will be available to give you advice.
"We will post an update as soon as we have more information."
You can get Legionnaires' disease if you breathe in tiny droplets of water containing bacteria that cause the infection. It's usually caught in places like hotels, hospitals or offices where the bacteria have got into the water supply.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include:
- A cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- A high temperature
- Flu-like symptoms
On Wednesday, Morag Barrow, Director, Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership said: “During our continuous programme of routine building monitoring and hygiene control, Legionella bacteria have been identified in some of the taps at Bonnyrigg Heath Centre.
"There are no cases of infection and the risk is very low as the type of legionella detected does not usually cause infection in humans.
“As a precaution, however, and as part of our ongoing commitment to safety and hygiene, all non-essential activities are being moved temporarily to allow additional maintenance, cleaning and disinfection to take place to rectify the problem."
READ NEXT:
Lewis Capaldi shares hilarious voice note he sent to new Edinburgh girlfriend Ellie
Edinburgh University forced to cancel controversial film after protestors clash
Rare footage shows spectacular Edinburgh Clash performance during 1985 tour
Midlothian teen stabbed uncle with kitchen knife in the chest after Christmas dinner
Edinburgh Spaces for People 'errors' to cost council thousands and prolong consultation
