Light bulbs blamed for hospital workers' illness

THE wrong UV light bulbs were to blame for staff at Raigmore Hospital falling ill during a food preparation demonstration.

An investigation took place after two members of staff and an outside representative reported symptoms of skin rash and sore watery eyes after the demonstration in the catering department last month.

A further three NHS Highland workers and two environmental health officers from Highland Council experienced similar symptoms after being in the same room, next to the Raigmore kitchen.

Five of those affected had to attend accident and emergency for treatment for eye irritation.

The wrong UV light bulbs in an electric fly killer have now been confirmed as the cause.

NHS Highland confirmed it appeared to a mistake, and there were no suspicious circumstances.

The bulbs used emit UVC light instead of UVA light and this has resulted in the affected staff experiencing mild sunburn of the exposed skin, and the cornea of the eye, which led to the soreness and watering.

The effects were short-term and catering staff have been reassured that there is no long term damage or implications for their health.

All those affected are back at work.

The investigation involved occupational health, health and safety, public health and environmental health workers.

All similar devices throughout NHS Highland have now been checked and appropriate procedures put in place to ensure it doesn't happen again.

UVC lamps are used in devices which require stronger UV light, such as for disinfection of water supplies.