The search for the source of infection of cardiac surgery continues

The ministers revealed that the source of an infection related to the deaths of patients who had cardiac surgery in an Edinburgh hospital was yet to be located.

Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, said the infection had been caused by three different types of mold from the diseases found at the hospital.

But the source of the molds at the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary remains to be identified.

The NHS Lothian wrote to 186 patients with cardiac surgery about the infection.

• Deaths related to heart surgery infections

They warned patients about the potential risk of unusual strain of heart valve infection called endocarditis.

A total of 26 patients responded, of which 19 were referred to their local health board for "further review".

The mold can take up to six months and patients have been informed of their symptoms.

One study found that six operated patients had contracted an infection and that a number of them had died.

As a precaution, four operating rooms have been closed to allow cleaning by specialists. Two of them have since reopened.

In a statement to Holyrood, Ms. Freeman said, "I totally understand that for the patients who have been contacted by the board of directors, it will be a troubling time for patients they've identified at the time. following this exercise.

"No patient wants to receive a letter similar to the one sent by the NHS Lothian last week.

"But I hope that what I have exposed today rebadures that these letters are part of a system of infection prevention and proactive and preventive risk management here in Scotland.

"All healthcare-badociated infections can not be avoided, but we have dedicated professionals and a rigorous system focused on limiting and controlling these infections."

In response to a question from Green MSP, Andy Wightman, Ms. Freeman confirmed that "until now, the source has not been identified".