A recent report has revealed that the closure of an adult mental health ward at Lister Hospital in Stevenage was prompted by the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the facility’s water system.
According to the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), high levels of the bacteria were detected earlier this year on Aston Ward, which is part of the hospital’s mental health unit. Legionella, a bacteria that thrives in water, can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that can be life-threatening if contracted by inhaling water droplets contaminated with the pathogen.
A spokesperson for the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) stated that they no longer have concerns about the levels of contamination. “We continue to monitor the situation in line with our trust water safety policy,” they said.
The report, presented at an ICB board meeting focused on infection prevention, confirmed that the discovery of Legionella had triggered a series of actions. “High counts of Legionella were reported in water samples from the ward, which is managed by the Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT),” the report noted.
Following the detection, Aston Ward was temporarily closed to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The water system was then thoroughly flushed, and more frequent testing protocols were established, with the water now being flushed three times a week. Additionally, water safety experts were consulted, and a site visit was conducted as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Despite the contamination, the ICB reassured the public that regular monitoring continues, in accordance with the hospital’s water safety policy. While Legionella bacteria naturally occur in most water systems, public water supplies usually contain it at very low concentrations. Health trusts are responsible for maintaining and monitoring their own water safety, taking necessary actions when bacteria levels rise.
Aston Ward has since reopened, with the added precautions in place to mitigate any further risks.
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