A Scottish hospital has closed its maternity unit and a 24-hour minor injuries centre after lethal bacteria was found in the water system.
NHS Grampian says parts of Peterhead Community Hospital will be closed until further notice after legionella bacteria was discovered in the pipes, presenting serious risks to patients. A 16-bed ward and renal care services remain open, but other services have been diverted to other medical centres across Aberdeenshire.
Exposure to legionella bacteria is usually harmless but in rare cases can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. The bugs develop in poorly maintained or underused water and air conditioning systems.
