Elevated levels of Legionella have been found in the pipeline of a hospital in Stornoway.
NHS Western Isles has announced action is being taken to tackle the prevalence of the bacteria.
It can cause a potentially fatal pneumonia-type lung infection called Legionnaires or a flu-like illness known as Pontiac fever.
‘Elevated levels of Legionella’
A NHS Western Isles statement on Facebook explained the discovery was made during routine water testing.
It read: “As part of this project, regular water testing is carried out at planned intervals throughout the project.
“Recent testing has shown elevated levels of Legionella species contamination of the cold-water system in certain parts of the hospital.
“The drinking water system is a separate system and is unaffected.
“All necessary immediate actions have been taken, including three-times daily flushing of the water system throughout the hospital and the provision of bottled water for toothbrushing.
“Some sinks have also been removed from use. Portable sinks are being made available to be used on a temporary basis, which provide handwashing facilities without the need for plumbing.
“Point of use filters are being fitted to outlets as an additional precaution.”
NHS Western Isles added that they will “continue to undertake regular sampling to check levels” and once the valve replacement programme is complete next month, full “decontamination of the cold-water system” will take place.
Last year, Aberdeenshire Council was forced to close its city headquarters – after Legionella was found in the water supply.
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