Alarm over killer bug in hospitals
WATER coolers are being gradually restored to service at Galway’s two hospitals after the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease – a type of pneumonia that can prove fatal – were discovered on a number of them.
Last year the water dispensers in University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital were turned off as a precaution while they were being tested for Legionella bacteria. “Some” water dispensers were subsequently found to be colonised with Legionella bacteria, confirmed a spokesperson for the Saolta Hospital group which manages the facilities.
“Although water dispensers are not usually considered to be a high risk for infection by Legionella bacteria, it was decided to keep the water coolers out of use while testing continued and any remedial actions required are put in place,” she explained.
“The location and pipeworks for each water cooler are being risk-assessed; then remedial action on the pipe layout must be carried out if required. The water coolers are being re-introduced on a limited and phased basis as this remedial work progresses.”
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune..
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