The prevention and control of legionella at an Essex hospital remains a "significant concern", according to a health care watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said Basildon University Hospital had taken several measures to combat the disease, but further improvements were needed.

It said three people had acquired the disease while at the hospital in 2011. The hospital's trust said it was already taking further steps to address the issue and other areas of concern. The report followed a recent inspection on 9 February. It said there had been a history of people catching legionella at the hospital, citing 13 cases since 2002.

"More attention needed"

The most recent cases were in August, September and November 2011. The report said the hospital had made an "investment in measures to control legionella" including the introduction of a silver and copper ionisation disinfection system, to replace its chlorine dioxide one. It added a legionella management group met once a month and the hospital worked with several other agencies regarding the outbreaks.

Despite this, the CQC said it was disappointed there were still cases arising and the trust needed to do more to reduce the risk of re-occurrence.

(Read More) Source: BBC News

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