Mount Hospital suspends elective surgeries after detection of black mould

A private Perth hospital has been forced to cancel elective surgeries after the detection of black mould.

Mount Hospital says the issue was picked up during routine air testing, prompting the suspension of all elective surgeries on Thursday.

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A day later it was revealed more surgeries would need to be rescheduled.

The hospital says the mould presents a low health risk for healthy individuals, however for vulnerable people it can be more serious.

High-risk patients in affected areas have been moved to other wards as a precaution.

The hospital is undertaking a deep clean of the air ducts and has notified the Department of Health.

Staff are working to reschedule surgeries as soon as possible.

It is the second time in recent months the hospital has been forced to take remedial action.

The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease was found in several water outlets at the Mounts Bay Rd facility last October.

In response to the contamination, the metro health campus trimmed the number of beds available to ensure all affected rooms were vacant.

Legionnaire’s disease is a severe form of pneumonia and generally develops between two and tens days after exposure to the bacteria., which most people contract by inhaling tiny water droplets.

Outbreaks have been linked to hot tubs, swimming pools, air conditioners and drinking water.

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