Peter Gunn, a Senior consultant at the Water Hygiene Centre, discuses the priorities for those working in engineering and estate management and clinical roles in private sector healthcare settings whose role includes responsibility for keeping their facility’s water system in a safe and compliant condition. He focuses particularly on the key steps to minimise the chances of Legionella growth and proliferation – as set out in HSE and Department of Health and Social Care guidance.
The private or independent healthcare sector is largely made up of hospitals and clinics run independently of the NHS. These healthcare facilities are normally run by a commercial company, although some are also run by charities or other non-profit organisations. Private healthcare sites may also include mental healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centres, care homes, and many other types of site-specific facilities.
Although Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and other waterborne pathogens continue to come to the fore, Legionnaires' Disease and Legionellosis prevention must remain a key concern for private healthcare providers.
As applies equally to all healthcare businesses, private healthcare operators have a duty of care to protect their residents, staff, visitors, and anybody else who may be affected by their day-to-day risk management undertakings, from foreseeable risks to their health, safety, and wellbeing.
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