The website of the Health Estate Journal

Considering the best pipework route for safety

Dave Lancaster, Applications specialist (Building Services) from plumbing, heating, cooling, and infrastructure specialist, Uponor, discusses the risk of Legionella in hospital water systems, and the ways in which that risk can be addressed through design best practice and pipe specification.

In all hospitals, whether NHS or private sector, there are constant challenges around the need to prevent hospital-borne infections from exacerbating existing conditions or prolonging a patient’s hospital stay. The so-called ‘superbugs’ – such as MRSA, CRE, and EBSL – are potential killers, because they are resistant to antibiotics, but, to date, thorough cleaning regimes and vigilance with handwashing have proved effective in reducing and controlling outbreaks. Meanwhile, bacterial infections such as C. difficile can also spread rapidly, but are usually easy to treat with antibiotics, and fatalities are rare. Indeed, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for both MRSA and C. difficilerelated deaths clearly demonstrate that the rate of life-threatening infection has decreased over the past decade, indicating the success of awareness campaigns, cleanliness best practice, and handwashing. Meanwhile, however, the incidence of Legionnaires’ Disease is actually increasing, and the very water systems used to improve handwashing and stem infection in hospitals could be allowing the bacteria to propagate.

How big is the problem?

One of the difficulties with understanding the scale of the problem when it comes to Legionnaires’ Disease is that the condition is difficult to diagnose, and is often overlooked or dismissed as cold or ‘flu symptoms. Consequently, it can be hard to find accurate data, and the recorded incidents may mask a much more endemic problem with plumbing systems that allow and facilitate the growth of Legionella bacteria.

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025