In a recent case of negligence on part of a hospital, The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Trust was fined due to the discovery of high levels of legionella bacteria in its water supply system.
The NHS Trust responsible for the management of the hospital has been asked to pay nearly £48,000 in fines after an HSE investigation discovered that the hospital authorities were negligent in the proper maintenance of the hospital water supply system.
However, the investigation could not figure out whether the two Legionnaires’ disease deaths that had occurred in the hospital in 2007 were a direct consequence of the contraction of disease from the hospital or from somewhere else, even though there was conclusive evidence of the presence of legionella in the pipes that supply water to sinks, baths and showers.
Liverpool Magistrates Court heard that the hospital authorities had stopped conducting safety checks on the levels of legionella in water, even after being informed of the presence of high levels of the bacteria in the Audrey Leigh wing seven years ago.
In the prosecution brought by HSE, the NHS trust was accused of failing to ensure that proper checks are conducted to detect any such bacterial risks in water. The Trust pleaded guilty to the charges under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for risking the lives of its employees and patients, and was ordered to pay a fine of £35,000 with costs of £12,862.
The top management of the hospital was also criticized for failing to maintain the quality standards. HSE Inspector Kevin Jones pointed out that the approach of the hospital towards the risk of bacteria was totally unacceptable. He added that hospitals are a place where patients and others are at a greater risk of contracting diseases and hence, it is crucial for the hospital authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard the health of patients, employees and visitors.
Written by Giles Kendrick
giles.kendrick@googlemail.com
http://iosh.workplacelaw.net/
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