Legionella bacteria found in Stafford hospital water supply
Action has been taken after legionella bacteria was found in water supplies at a hospital in Stafford.
Hospital bosses have confirmed a species of legionella bacteria has been found in St George's Hospital water supplies, but said it is not at a harmful level and no one has contracted Legionnaires' disease.
Specialist advisers and water engineers have been monitoring the situation and have installed water treatment systems to reduce the risk.
Legionnaire's disease is a form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria.
A spokesman for Stafford and Surrounds CCG said: “Legionalla is a bacteria that is common in many environments (in stagnant water) and a number of different types are evident.
"Most people exposed to the species do not become ill but certain types are more harmful.
"The species identified in low flow water supplies at St Georges are not within a harmful level or a type of serious concern.
"No one has contracted legionnaires disease on the St George’s site and the water is safe for patients and staff.
"Water quality is monitored on a regular basis and action taken to improve it, if necessary.
"This includes fitting point of use filters on taps which are regularly changed and increasing the flow of water by regularly flushing pipes. The filters are inexpensive and flushing the pipes costs nothing.
"The trust works with specialist advisers and water engineers to monitor results and actions and have installed a number of water treatment systems to further reduce the risk.”
St George's Hospital provides adult mental health services.
