Inquest into Legionella death finds hospital failed to keep water supply safe

Testing by Public Health England found the Royal United Hospital water supply ward was contaminated with Legionella


An inquest into a Legionella death found that the Royal United Hospital in Bath, England, failed to keep water supply safe, according to an article on the Bath Chronicle website.

After the death of a cancer patient from a water-borne illness, the hospital staff, Mr Gubb's staff discovered that the temperature of the water in a return hot water pipe was between 35C and 40C – a temperature at which Legionella can thrive – instead of the 50C it should have been at minimum.

Further investigation discovered that there was a broken pump in a separate water loop feeding the isolation part of a ward where particularly vulnerable patients stayed. The broken pump meant that the hot water was not being returned to the boiler regularly enough to stay hot enough.

Read the article.

 

 



February 12, 2016


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

The Top Three Pathogens to Worry About in 2026

Key viruses to watch out for and how to prevent them.


Blackbird Health Opens New Pediatric Mental Health Clinic in Virginia

It offers comprehensive evaluations, therapy and medication management under one roof.


Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville to Get Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Baptist Center for Inpatient Rehabilitation, managed by Brooks Rehabilitation, is expected to see its first patients in spring 2027.


Building Envelopes Emerge As Key Facility Components

From enclosure commissioning and air-moisture control to decarbonization and thermal comfort, exterior systems affect energy efficiency and resilience.


Catholic Medical Center Breaks Ground on New Central Energy Plant

The new central energy plant is expected to be completed in early 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.