NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) confirmed a number of rooms have been closed following a Sky News report of mould and water ingress in parts of a cancer ward.

An NHSGGC spokesperson said: ‘We recently responded to concerns regarding potential water ingress to a room within Ward 4B.  In response, a small number of rooms were temporarily sealed off and investigations, with appropriate infection prevention and control measures in place.

‘Following investigations, which included exploring Ward 5B on the floor above, we can confirm no recent evidence of water ingress within the ward has been found at this time, however, we continue to remain vigilant.

‘As an additional precaution, we are temporarily closing Ward 5B (directly above 4B) to undertake planned remedial upgrades to the ensuite rooms. Issues to ensuite bathrooms have previously been identified and form part of our ongoing wider legal claims against the builder. 

‘To support upgrades, Ward 5B patients will be moved to another appropriate ward.

‘We are in communication with patients and staff during this time.'The Scottish Govermment has faced allegations it exerted political pressure to open the hospital too early with design flaws in 2015.

NHSGCC acknowledged it had faced challenges linked to the original build quality, adding: ‘The building we got was not what we paid for.'

During final evidence given to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry that concluded on 23 January, NHSGCC accepted there was a ‘causal connection' between the infection of some patients with issues with its water system but offered reassurances the hospital was now safe.

The inquiry's findings will be published in a final report, which will be submitted to Scottish ministers in due course.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: ‘The Scottish Government is aware of an incident within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the cabinet secretary for health and social care met with the board on Monday to ensure swift and appropriate action is being taken.

‘We have been clear with the board that the safety of patients and staff remains our absolute priority.

‘The recently announced Safety and Public Confidence Oversight Group, co-chaired by the chief executive of NHS GGC and Professor Sir Lewis Ritchie, will see NHS GGC taking significant, immediate steps to strengthen trust and patient confidence in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children.'