Legionnaires creates a storm in Neonatal Unit
18/02/2009
Legionella has been described as the cause of at least three newborn babies deaths in one month.
Legionella has been described as the cause of at least three newborn babies deaths in one month.
Legionella has been described as the cause of at least three newborn babies deaths in one month.
Legionella has been described as the cause of at least three newborn babies deaths in one month.The source of the contamination has been identified as the birthing pools and humidification units in the incubators of a hospital, which begs the question of how and why these areas were not monitored and controlled as part of a legionella monitoring programme.
The outcome of this poor maintenance by the hospital has resulted in 11 newborn babies contracting the disease in the space of one week, causing the untimely death of three babies to date.
How safe is your maternity unit?
With this recent outbreak in such a ‘sterile’ place it highlights the severe risk and devastating effects of one birthing pool within a hospital. It is essential that the public feel confident and assured that their health is paramount importance for the health care system and every effort is sought out to ensure that they are free from any untoward illness or risk. HBI have the largest team of locally based consultants in Ireland. Our experienced team are highly qualified in carrying out Legionella Risk Assessments and Monitoring programmes to ensure that both your staff and your patients are kept safe from the fatal risk of Legionella.
Indeed HBI were the first environmental company in Ireland to be awarded the Legionella Code of Conduct so you have the reassurance with our intense knowledge and vast experience in related fields that all measures are taken to assess the related areas of risk and that a monitoring and control programme is put into place to maintain the standards set out by the HSC Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L8. For more information on Legionella Control and Monitoring or to find out how HBI can help you email info@hbi.ie