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Hospitals and healthcare facilities

Few hospitals and healthcare facilities undertake routine water system monitoring. Clinical studies estimate hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease infections could be as high as 5,000 per annum. Hospitals have a legal responsibility to address this potentially lethal problem.

Hospital water systems are often based on old designs and layouts which have been added-to and modified over time. This leads to long pipe runs with both physical and functional dead-legs, and an excess of water outlets, ideal breeding grounds for legionella. By definition, hospital patients are not in full health and susceptible to infections, particularly those in ITU or immunocompromised by radio and chemotherapy.

Water-borne pathogens such as Legionella most often enter healthcare facilities through aerosols generated by cooling towers, showers, taps and respiratory therapy equipment. Sinks, showerheads, aerators and toilets can serve as reservoirs for the bacteria.

Helping hospitals and healthcare facilities control Legionella bacteria in water systems, and comply with ACoP L8 and HTM 0401, is AquaCare Water Hygiene Services’ primary objective. Aquacare also support the use of ZetaSafe® electronic logbooks for efficient asset management across large estates.

Useful documents

HSE Guide: Legionnaire's disease - Essential information for providers of residential accommodation - HERE
HSE Guide: Controlling Legionella in nursing and
residential care homes - HERE
DoH: Hospital Technical Memorandum 0401
(replaced HTM 2030 in 2007)

Surveys suggest that hospitals account for up to 15% of diagnosed Legionella infections with a mortality rate nearly four times the national average. Legionella infections amongst cancer and transplant patients, some trauma victims and those with HIV have a 25-30% mortality rate.

Recent surveys have found that the water supplies in up to 70% of UK hospitals exhibit Legionella bacterial infections. In March 2004, an Essex hospital patient was diagnosed with Legionella despite a £300,000 overhaul under the guidance of the HSE. The overhaul included pipework replacement, water temperature monitoring and continuous sterilisation - which the bacterium survived, proving how resilient the organism can be.

Other healthcare facilities at potential risk to incidental exposure include GPs’ surgeries, dentists and veterinary practices. The HSE is preparing guidance on the selection of appropriate containment in line with the special control measures for health and veterinary care facilities

This new, easy-to-install shower head offers instant protection against Legionella and other pathogens in the water system. Ideal for patients vulnerable to infection following clinical procedures that suppress their immune system. Contact AquaCare for more information.