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Liverpool Hospital Fined Over Legionella

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a strong health warning after high levels of legionella bacteria were found at a Liverpool hospital.

The investigation found unsafe levels of legionella in the water supply system for the showers, baths and sinks at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Trust’s hospital on Thomas Drive, in Liverpool.

However, the investigation was not able to conclude whether two patients, who both contracted Legionnaires’ disease before their deaths in early 2007, were infected at the hospital or elsewhere.

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard that the NHS Trust had stopped testing the water supply for legionella, despite high levels of the bacteria being found in the Audrey Leigh wing in May 2002. The HSE criticised the NHS Trust for failing to put suitable control measures in place, and senior management for failing to take responsibility for overseeing the control of the bacteria.

The NHS Trust pleaded guilty to breaching ss.2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 in putting employees and the public at risk. The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Trust was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £12,862 at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 8 October 2009.

Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Kevin Jones said, “It is almost beyond comprehension that Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospitals NHS Trust became so complacent about legionella in the water supply system. We were astonished to discover that the NHS Trust’s management team took a decision to stop testing for the bacteria. The hospital’s water supply system was clearly at risk from legionella and so regular tests should have been carried out.”

Source: Croner



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