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Publish date: 12 October 2024
Update: Sunday, 13 October at 3pm
Legionnaires’ precautionary measures
We do NOT have any cases of the Legionnaires disease, nor any suspected cases; no individuals have reported the illness, and we are actively reviewing patients to ensure clinical safety for those presenting with any signs or symptoms.
We are taking precautionary measures following the identification of a presence of legionella bacterium within limited areas of the water system at the hospital.
As part of our planned water maintenance programme, we identified a presence of the bacteria in some areas of the Trust. The levels identified require precautionary measures and further ongoing testing. We are following national guidance and policy.
Patients, visitors and colleagues can be assured that we are doing all we can to manage the issue. We currently do NOT expect this to impact on patient care. There are no planned cancellations expected and we are managing this to not impact on patient care. These matters are precautionary and are designed to prevent harm. If changes are needed, mitigating actions will be taken directly with the services concerned and the Trust will contact patients directly. If you have not been contacted, your care will not be impacted.
We have installed water filter units on appropriate outlets, which are specialised for health care settings – preventing any possibility of the bacteria coming from the taps. Working with national guidelines and experts, we are developing robust plans for sampling and monitoring across the Trust – this is for the immediate issue and for further assurance into the future.
Our ask to everybody:
- Please DO NOT remove or tamper with the filters fitted to some taps and water outlets across the hospital – you may notice they slow the water flow, but this is because they are filtering the water appropriately. If you identify any issues with the filters, please let a member of staff know.
- Please DO continue to wash your hands regularly and follow this by using hand gel.
Colleagues across the Trust will be supporting patients and assuring any concerns. There remains additional vigilance in place as to the signs and symptoms of legionnaires but there are currently no known cases of the disease, and the Trust is confident in how it is responding to the issue.
