Legionnaire bugs found in hospital wards tap water

Renal and endoscopy units affected

THE bacteria which causes Legionnaires’ disease has been found in the water supply at a Scots hospital.

Legionella was detected following routine testing of water in Wards 1 and 2 at Monklands Hospital, Airdrie.

Patients are being given bottled water and told to avoid drinking tap water while a probe is launched.

Susan Friel, nurse director for acute services, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Following routine water sampling, legionella bacteria has been detected in the water system in the renal and endoscopy units.

“As soon as this was identified, we immediately installed filters on both wash hand basins and shower outlets in both units to ensure the water was safe for use.

“As a precaution we have also fitted filters on the wash hand basins and shower outlets in Ward 2, which is served by the same water tank.

“We are working closely with microbiology and facilities colleagues to put in place further steps following these results to ensure the safety of patients and staff. This will include sampling on a regular basis until we have a full set of negative samples and filters will remain in place for as long as required.

“We want to reassure our patients and staff that the risk of contracting legionella disease with this particular strain is extremely low.”

She added: “Currently, there are no patients showing any signs of Legionnaires’ Disease and we will continue to monitor this closely over the next few days.”

It is understood bottled water was provided for renal dialysis patients but that the bacteria had not got into the water supply which serves the dialysis equipment because it comes from a separate source.

No patients have shown any signs of infection but those who recently left the hospital are being contacted to let them know about the risk.

Christina Coulombe, head of infection prevention and control said: “We have to re-emphasis that the risk of contracting Legionella disease with this particular strain is extremely low and the measures we have taken are precautionary while we continue to sample the water.”

Scottish Labour’s Deputy Leader and Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “People expect to go into the hospital to get better – not to pick up infections. I would hope that urgent action is taken in the interest of patient and staff safety.”