Parts of the adult bone marrow transplant unit at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow have been closed after the discovery of mould and water ingress. Hospital authorities confirmed that several rooms in Ward 4B were taken out of use as a precaution while assessments and remediation work continue. Patients were moved from the affected areas to maintain safety.
Bone marrow transplant recipients have severely weakened immune systems. Even low levels of environmental fungal contamination can pose infection risks in this group, which is why transplant units operate under strict air quality and infection-control standards.
The issue has emerged at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, a major tertiary care facility in Glasgow that opened in 2015. The latest concerns came to light in early 2026, nearly a decade after the hospital began functioning. The development has drawn renewed attention because the hospital has faced previous scrutiny related to environmental safety and infection control.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), which manages the hospital, stated that infection prevention teams are actively monitoring the situation. Officials reported that no patients are currently being treated in the affected rooms and that additional environmental checks, including air sampling, are underway.
Independent experts have highlighted the potential risks of mould exposure in bone marrow transplant units. Specialists in microbiology and infection control note that immunocompromised patients are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic fungal infections, making rapid containment and environmental correction essential.
The Scottish government has stated that it remains in contact with the health board regarding the situation. Hospital teams have implemented precautionary infection-control steps while technical assessments continue. Authorities have not yet provided a confirmed timeline for reopening the affected ward areas.
Investigations connected to earlier environmental safety concerns at QEUH are still ongoing. Law enforcement and regulatory bodies continue to review cases in which hospital-acquired infections were suspected.
Modern healthcare facilities depend not only on clinical expertise but also on building integrity, water safety, and ventilation performance. For units treating immunocompromised patients, even minor infrastructure issues can carry clinical consequences.
Further findings from environmental testing and ongoing inquiries will clarify the extent of the problem and guide future corrective measures.
(Rh/SS)
