A HOSPITAL unit that treats children suffering from cancer will not re-open until next March, Glasgow’s health board has confirmed.

Wards 2A and 2B of the Royal Hospital for Children, Govan, were closed after a number of patients developed infections and a 10-year-old boy died after developing the Cryptococcus bug, which is linked to pigeon dropping.

Work has been continuing to upgrade ventilation systems in the two wards.

Paediatric cancer patients have been receiving treatment in ward 6A of the adult hospital. However, earlier this year the ward was closed to new admissions due to fresh fears over an infection risk.

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The Scottish Government has launched an emergency fund for Glasgow families forced to travel for cancer treatment.

Meanwhile, a report by an Incident Management Team investigating the source of the infections is due to publish its findings shortly.

A spokeswoman for NHSGGC said: “The ward remains open to treat current patients, but a temporary divert of newly diagnosed patients remains in place.

The Incident Management team are working closely with Health Protection Scotland and the clinical staff to consider when the divert can be lifted.

“In the meantime, a number of enhancements have been made to the ward, including a social space for parents and a children’s dedicated play area.

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“The return to Wards 2A and 2B in the Royal Hospital for Children is expected to take place next March when the work to upgrade the ventilation system is complete.”

A number of separate inquiries have been launched looking at the design and construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus and infection rates.