Mental Health Ward Closure Attributed to Legionella Bacteria, Report Indicates

An adult mental health ward was closed following the detection of Legionella bacteria, according to a recently released report. The Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) confirmed that elevated levels of the bacteria were identified in the water supply of Aston Ward, located at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, earlier in the current year. Inhaling water droplets contaminated with this bacteria can result in Legionnaires’ disease, a lung infection that can be life-threatening. A spokesperson for the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation stated: “We have no further concerns about the levels and continue to monitor in line with our trust water safety policy.” This report was presented during an ICB board meeting, where infection prevention control was listed as one of its primary objectives. The report indicated: “High counts of legionella were reported in water samples from the ward, which is managed by the Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT).” Following consultation, the ward has since been reopened, and its water system is now undergoing flushing three times per week, alongside increased testing frequency. The ICB communicated: “Water safety experts were consulted for the Lister site, including a site visit which has taken place and water sampling has been completed.” While Legionella bacteria are commonly found in most water sources, their presence in public water systems is typically in very low concentrations. Health trusts bear the responsibility for upholding their individual water safety policies, which entails consistent monitoring of levels to implement corrective measures should they increase.