The website of the Health Estate Journal

Advice for HPTs dealing with Legionella

A Public Health England (PHE) guidance document issued last year, Responding to the detection of legionella in healthcare premises – Guidance for PHE health protection teams (HPTs), ‘raises numerous questions about current levels of communication that Trusts have inhouse, and with HPTs, on positive Legionella sample results and what they mean’.

 So says Alan Hambidge, a trainer at Eastwood Park, and water hygiene and safety consultant, who explained: “A survey across HPTs in England to assess their involvement with local healthcare premises on Legionella control discovered that, in some areas, the local HPT is informed when relatively low levels are detected, or when there are significantly elevated levels of Legionella. In a small number of instances the HPT is only contacted when there are clinical cases. There is also considerable variation in the level of involvement premises request.”

The PHE document offers:  

  • Guidance for PHE HPT personnel when approached by infection prevention and control teams and estates departments on maintaining their water systems, ‘to ensure a consistent and appropriate response’; 
  • Information and practical guidance for HPT staff participating in incident control teams, or a Water Safety Group

Alan Hambidge added: “The guidance describes situations where HPTs should be contacted, and the extent of involvement that can be expected of them where Legionella counts are detected in hot and cold water systems. It incorporates an algorithm applicable where there are no associated nosocomial cases, but where it is possible that cases may subsequently be identified. There is also a checklist useable as a detailed assessment tool to ensure that Trusts are aware of, and are properly addressing, Legionella control issues.”

 

See more about Eastwood Park Training

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