A Midlothian medical practice is open to emergencies only after a Legionella outbreak in the water supply which can cause serious illness.
Strathesk Medical Centre in Bonnyrigg is currently working under emergency conditions while their maintenance team work to eradicate Legionella from the water supply.
The GP centre is following advice from NHS Lothian and Public Health while dealing with the incident.
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Emergency care will still be available and all GP phone appointments will go ahead but face-to-face services have been cancelled.
The medical centre posted an update to its Facebook page this morning which reads: "Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult circumstances.
"We are trying to provide as much of a service as possible within the severe restrictions that have been placed on us by Public Health and NHS Lothian."
It continues: "If you have a nurse appointment or a blood test today then please remember that these are at the Midlothian Community Hospital. Please check in at the main reception at the community hospital at your appointment time.
"We have decided NOT to cancel pre-booked GP telephone consultations today. If you have booked a telephone consultation in advance with a GP for today then you will receive a phone call today.
"All other appointments will be EMERGENCY/URGENT only due to the ongoing restrictions with access to the health centre whilst the maintenance team continue to carry out work to eradicate legionella from the water supply."
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Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection you can get from inhaling droplets of water from things like air conditioning or hot tubs. It's uncommon but it can be very serious.
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
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."
She continued: “Enhanced infection control measures are in place as a precaution for the protection of patients and staff using the building to allow essential services to continue to be delivered.
"This includes a reduced number of consulting rooms to provide emergency consultations, and the Bonnyrigg Pharmacy which is located on-site will remain open as normal.”
You can get more guidance and advice here. Strathesk Medical Practice have been approached for comment.
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