Legionnaires' source was in hospital
A LEGIONNAIRES' case at Cheltenham General Hospital has been linked to the water supply.
It is the first time the disease has been contracted in a county hospital.
The infection was diagnosed in a patient a fortnight ago following a routine urine sample.
Tests carried out by the Health Protection Agency confirmed yesterday there is a link between the infection and samples taken from water pipes.
Legionella bacteria was found within the water system that supplies four wards including Hazelton Ward, where the patient was admitted.
Health chiefs say it is likely the patient, who has not been named, contracted the disease through the shower system.
Directors of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have held regular meetings with a team of investigators from the Health Protection Agency since the diagnosis and have been in touch with a national expert at the Agency's headquarter's in Collindale.
Water pipes at the hospital have already been disinfected and infection control managers have stressed there is no further risk to the public.
Steve Peak, director of operations at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The results have come back positive with low numbers of Legionella bacteria.
“We have no definitive match between the patient and water samples but at this moment in time we are making a link.
“The issue is about making sure the water supply is safe.”
Legionnaires' is a form of pneumonia and can be contracted by inhaling mist from baths and showers although the most common cause of the disease is contaminated air.
Since the diagnosis of Legionella, the hospital has undertaken a programme of pasteurisation and chlorination of the water system. Bacterial filters have been fitted to taps to further reduce the risk of contamination and shower heads have been replaced and disinfected.
Regular temperature checks of the water systems will continue to be maintained.
Dr Jim Stone, microbiologist and director of infection control at the Trust, said: “We have not heard of any cases that are linked to the hospital before and that is why this particular case is unusual.
“We are now briefing patients and have given them relevant information.
“We have also contacted patient's GPs to make them aware but have had no further reports of anyone else having acquired the infection.
“I don't think we can ever say we will never have another case at the hospital but we do not anticipate any issues in the future.”
Dr Sean Elyan, medical director, added: “We admit 100,000 people each year to the hospital.
“We have made the water system safe and that has been confirmed with water sample testing.
“Our aim is to reassure people that they can seek medical care in a safe environment.”
In 2007, there were 10 cases of community acquired Legionnaire's Disease reported to the Gloucestershire Health Protection Team.
10 Comments
by Amelia, Cheltenham
Friday, August 01 2008, 1:09AM
“Although it really is a disgrace that such diseases can be in hospitals, the staff are just so busy, it's an awfully big hospital.
As for it falling apart i do agree but i think we should be greatful that its still open! To many hospitals are being shut down now.
My gran was recently in the general and she was really well looked after so when you weigh up the good against the bad, maybe it isnt as bad as it seems.”
by Chris, Brockworth
Thursday, July 31 2008, 8:07PM
“The same staff you are slating are the ones that kept your hospital open during the water crisis last year.
If you test any pubic building for legionnaires you will find it - even in your home! It's the concentration level that proves or disproves negligence.
People should do their homework before claiming scandal”
by lola, gloucester
Thursday, July 31 2008, 2:43PM
“i had an appointment at cheltenham hospital a while back i was horrified with the lack of clenliness in the place it smelt awfull and i was asked to wait in there so called day room which was filthy the seating looked like something off a tip and there was a poor gentlemen sat on a plastic chair who had urinated himself . the building is falling apart and is need of repair what with that and the lack of clenliness and hygiene in this hospital there is no surprise these incidents are occuring, i refuse to step foot inside that hospital ever again .”
by Dr Watson, Gloucester
Thursday, July 31 2008, 10:55AM
“Wilow and Sarah, what utter rubbish. You're saying that it is acceptable for fatal diseases to be living and spreading in HOSPITALS!! Just wait until you catch MRSA, is that acceptable then, or will you be taking the NHS to court???”
by J.S, cheltenham
Thursday, July 31 2008, 10:07AM
“AFAIK it should be standard procedure for all hospitals to filter water before giving it to sick and vunerable people. This water should be filtered as it comes INTO the hospital!”
by Sarah, Stow
Thursday, July 31 2008, 8:14AM
“People will only spark a lack of confidence in Hospitals with unhelpful comments such as ones posted above. The situation was obviously noted and dealt with quickly and efficiently. I am going into Cheltenham General this weekend and i am confident that i will be in a clean and safe environment and looked after to the best of everyones abilities.. it will not help my recovery if i am worrying all the time. Please remember this when posting unhelpful and critical comments.”
by David, Cirencester
Thursday, July 31 2008, 6:54AM
“It is not acceptable for patients to contract deadly preventable diseases in hospital; this is serious negligence and should lead to a criminal prosecution; this seems to be the only action that will ensure the hospital authorities to take thier duties seriously.”
by Peter, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 31 2008, 6:11AM
“What with botched operations and diseases it us becoming more dangerous in hospital than to stay at home and take our chances.I would not go into Cheltenham General Hospital unless it was a dire emegency.I prefer to travel to Oxford as by experience I find it is much safer in the Ratcliffe.Infirmary”
by Willow, Gloucester
Thursday, July 31 2008, 12:52AM
“Dr Watson......I'm afraid it does happen. It's not a sign of poor hygiene, it's not a sign that things are wrong at the hospital, it''s not a sign that anyone there is taken care of less well than if they were somewhere else....it just simply happens that way sometimes. I'm sure you live a healthy lifestyle, but at the same time I'm sure you get a cold sometimes, don't you? It's life - accept it.”
by Dr Watson, Gloucester
Wednesday, July 30 2008, 11:05PM
“This is an absolute disgrace to our country's health system! Legionella bacteria is the water system of a HOSPITAL! Disgusted!”