A coronavirus outbreak has been confirmed at Ayrshire Maternity Unit.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran bosses confirmed this morning that a number of cases are connected to a ward at the Crosshouse Hospital unit.
Chiefs added that affected staff, patients and families have been notified of the development.
The news emerges weeks after officials announced that all patients arriving at the unit would be tested for COVID-19.
Health experts say that this would also apply to women being admitted for induction of labour, elective caesarean section and any emergency admissions.
Dr Crawford McGuffie, medical director at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran can confirm that a number of cases connected to a ward within Ayrshire Maternity Unit have tested positive for COVID-19.
"Affected staff, patients and their families have been informed.
"Patients continue to be cared for with the appropriate infection control measures in place including enhanced environmental disinfection.
"We have notified Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland (ARHAIS) of the incident in line with the national reporting requirements.
"We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure members of the public that every measure is being taken to protect patients and staff.
"To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.
"We would like to remind people of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately."
