Legionnaires’ strikes at Essex hospital

11 January 2010

Health officials said that poor plumbing maintenance is likely the cause of an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at Basildon University Hospital, according to The Times.

Two patients have contracted the potentially fatal, water-borne infection.

The Tines report noted that a spokeswoman for the hospital said the patients, who were staying in different parts of the hospital, have responded to antibiotic treatment.

Alan Whittle, chief executive at the trust, said the hospital was the probable source of the infections, based on tests of water samples. No more suspected cases have been identified.

“Experts agree that the legionella bacteria is a common risk in large buildings with an extensive plumbing system,” Whittle said in a written statement on the hospital’s web site. “Based on the results of laboratory tests of water samples, we accept that the hospital is the probable source of the infection, despite our determined efforts to minimise the known risks of legionella.”

Whittle said that the hospital tests any patient with suspicious respiratory problems and “we regularly test our water system for the bacteria”.

The Times article said that last November inspectors from the Care Quality Commission criticised Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Inspectors found bloodstains on floors and curtains, blood splattered on trays used to carry equipment and badly soiled mattresses in the A&E department, with stains soaked through.