Using a BEMS to improve infection control

Primarily due to their large and often complex water supply systems, hospitals and healthcare estates are potential breeding grounds for the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease and other waterborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Mycobacteria. Preventative action, as well as ongoing monitoring and management, are therefore vital in order to maintain the highest levels of protection for patients, staff, and visitors.

A clear  and  present  danger

Legionella pneumophila bacteria are common in natural water  sources  such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, but usually in low numbers. They may also be found in purpose-built water system infrastructures, and unless conditions are kept within certain parameters, they can thrive in cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems, and spa pools. Once the bacteria proliferate, Legionnaires’ disease becomes a distinct possibility, and can cause a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Over many years, outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease within hospitals have made the news headlines, and this particular pathogen continues to pose a potentially lethal threat. Its devastating impact was exemplified in the outbreak at Stafford District General Hospital in 1985, when a total of 68 confirmed cases were treated, and 22 of the patients died as a result of it. A further 35 patients, 14 of whom were treated at home, were suspected cases of Legionnaires’ disease from the same source.