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A former Scottish health secretary has asked for the opening of an investigation into the deaths of two patients after contracting a fungal infection linked to pigeon droppings in a hospital.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC) has launched its own investigation into deaths at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
The health commission said it was still investigating the cause of a patient's death, but had previously said the second, elderly patient had died as a result of an incident unrelated to his situation.
Alex Neil, the MSP, has called for an independent investigation. Infections were discovered in December, filters were put in place January 10 to address the problem.
He told BBC Scotland: "I think experts need to conduct an external investigation to determine why this happened in the first place, secondly, how the board of health managed it and, thirdly, what precautions should be taken for the future.
"The health council is sending out confusing messages and needs to clarify the situation and do it urgently."
The infection is caused by the inhalation of Cryptococcus fungus, mainly present in soils and pigeon droppings.
The NHSGCC stated that a probable source had been found in a non-public area, away from the gates and that feces had been removed.
The board of health said that a small number of adult patients and children vulnerable to infection were receiving medications, which has proven to be effective.
Health Council said they could not comment further on both cases (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde / PA)The health commission has installed portable HEPA filter units in specific areas, which filter the air constantly.
The NHSGCC stated that, during the investigations, the sealant was implicated in some of the shower rooms.
The repairs are underway and the maintenance team is working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible with as little disruption as possible, he added.
The Health Council added that as a further precaution, a specific group of patients is being transferred to the hospital due to its clinical diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
A spokesman said: "The investigation into the cause of two isolated cases of cryptococci at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is still ongoing
"The body is harmless to the vast majority of people and rarely causes disease in humans."
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