A burst pipe at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has led to the temporary shutdown of two specialist vascular procedure labs used for heart-related diagnostic and treatment work. NHS Lothian confirmed the leak caused mould to develop in some non-clinical parts of the building, prompting the health board to take the units offline while repairs are carried out. Officials said the disruption could mean some specialist appointments are delayed or rescheduled, but stressed there is no infection risk to patients or staff.
The health board said its priority is removing the mould safely before the affected labs reopen.
What caused the closures?
According to NHS Lothian, the leak allowed moisture to build up in areas of the hospital not used for direct patient treatment, and mould subsequently appeared there. As a precautionary step, the two vascular procedure labs were shut down so the contamination could be cleared before staff and patients return to the space.
Is there any risk to patients?
NHS Lothian says no. Dr Tracey Gillies, the health board's medical director, said the issue is being tracked closely by specialists.
"Remedial work is underway following a water leak at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh."
"Some mould was located in some areas of the non-clinical environment as a consequence of the water leak."
"As a precaution, two specialist vascular procedure labs have been taken out of use while it is removed."
Dr Gillies said there is "no infection risk associated with this leak to staff or patients," and that patients themselves do not need to take any action, as their clinical team will make direct contact if their appointment is affected.
"We apologise to affected patients for the inconvenience and would reassure them that we are working to restore services safely and as soon as possible."
Has the Royal Infirmary had similar problems before?
This is not the first time water-related faults have disrupted services at the hospital. In April 2026, NHS Lothian issued a separate update after discolouration was found in hot water at several outlets within its maternity unit, though cold and drinking water supplies were unaffected, according to an NHS Lothian statement. That incident prompted the formation of an Incident Management Team involving infection control specialists, water engineers, microbiologists and clinical staff. Earlier in 2026, mould was also discovered behind bathroom wall coverings on the hospital's children's cancer ward, with NHS Lothian confirming at the time that no patients had fallen ill. A more serious episode occurred in 2023, when a leak in the hospital's sterilisation and decontamination unit, which serves the whole of NHS Lothian, forced the postponement of planned surgeries.
The recurring maintenance problems trace back to long-standing concerns over the hospital's Private Finance Initiative arrangement. NHS Lothian began formal dispute proceedings against PFI operator Consort Healthcare in 2022, flagging risks tied to heating, ventilation, water systems and window upkeep. Those concerns have persisted as the hospital approaches the end of its PFI contract in December 2027, when it will transfer into full public ownership. Reporting this outlet has previously carried found that funds set aside by Consort Healthcare for repairs will fall well short of what is needed, leaving taxpayers to cover a substantial gap. A separate report on 18 August 2026 put a figure on that gap, stating taxpayers face a projected £9.7 million shortfall for PFI-linked hospital upgrades. Similar upgrade needs, including new lighting, ventilation and electrical systems, have been identified elsewhere in the estate ahead of the handover. Water problems are not confined to Edinburgh either — Inverclyde Royal Hospital has faced its own ongoing leak issues following heavy rainfall, with its health board also planning long-term repair work.
What happens next?
NHS Lothian has not given a firm date for when the two vascular labs will reopen, saying only that remedial work is under way and will continue to be monitored closely by estates contractors and specialist staff, consistent with the approach taken during the earlier maternity water issue. Patients due for cardiology-related procedures do not need to contact the hospital themselves; their clinical team will get in touch directly if rescheduling is required. Anyone with routine cardiology queries can still reach the hospital's cardiology service on 0131 242 1814, according to NHS Lothian's clinical referral guidance.
Key Facts
- A water leak at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh caused mould in non-clinical areas of the hospital.
- Two specialist vascular procedure labs used for heart diagnostics and treatment have been taken offline for remedial work.
- NHS Lothian says there is no infection risk to patients or staff.
- The hospital's PFI contract ends in December 2027, with taxpayers facing a projected £9.7 million shortfall for related repairs.
- Earlier in 2026, separate water and mould issues affected the hospital's maternity unit and children's cancer ward.
