Steve Mount, an independent Legionella management consultant and trainer with over 25 years’ previous experience in microbiology and UKAS-accredited Legionella analysis, underlines the rising number of nosocomial cases of Legionnaires’ disease in recent years, and explains the key risk assessment, management, and monitoring steps that must be taken by those responsible for hospital water systems to comply with legislation governing the ‘control and management’ of Legionella risk.
“Legionnaires’ disease: Eight remain in hospital in Stoke-on-Trent. One of 16 patients confirmed as having contracted Legionnaires’ disease in Staffordshire has died, says health agency.” – The Guardian.
“Five people take legal action after contracting Legionnaires’ disease in Edinburgh outbreak. Five people are taking legal action over a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak which has left two people dead.” – The Daily Telegraph.
These headlines highlight some recent shocking stories, but the events described were both unnecessary and avoidable. The recent outbreaks in Edinburgh and Stoke reinforce the absolute importance of effective management of the risk from Legionella. Although the UK is at the forefront of legislation and regulation in the management of Legionella risk, it is, however, the responsibility of organisations to implement and adopt best practice in this field. Legionella risk assessments are key to the management of Legionella. There are many good risk assessors out there, but a poor risk assessment, which is often determined by price, could lead to deaths, injury, loss of reputation, and prosecution. It is vital to understand what is involved in competent assessment, and, if necessary, to be willing to seek professional advice when undertaking the process.
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