Seventeen patients were removed from a hospital unit after traces of Legionnaires’ disease was found in the water supply. A routine check at the Archer Unit, in Bedford’s Health Village on Friday showed up a mild form of Legionella.

The decision was quickly taken by the Bedford Community Health Services to transfer all patients to nearby South Wing Hospital, in Kempston Road. The unit, in Kimbolton Road, has now been closed until further notice.

Assessments of the water supply within the building are now taking place. BCHS confirmed the 17 people had been moved on Friday after what was described as the discovery of a “low risk Sero Group 2’ Legionella.

They said the chances of someone contracting illness from it was minimal.

Cathy Moran, Bedfordshire Community Health Services Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Clinical Governance, said yesterday: “Patient safety is of paramount importance to Bedfordshire Community Health Services, therefore as a precautionary action, we have taken the decision to transfer the patients to nearby Bedford Hospital.

“They will be located on a ward together and will continue to receive the same high level of care, from the same experienced BCHS staff until we are confident that Archer Unit is clear of Legionella and control measures have been put into place.

“The risk of patients contracting Legionnaires’ disease from this event is very low, however in line with good patient practice we decided to take this precautionary action as a preventative measure.”

There are 20 beds in the Archer Unit and the facility is available for people who no longer need hospital care, but require further rehabilitation.

It also offers an alternative to hospital for GPs and other primary professionals to admit patients who need rehabilitation and support because of a physical change in their condition while at home.

People catch Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air, which contain the bacteria. It is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, immunosuppression and smoking.

Editorial Source: Bedfordshire On Sunday – (03.10.10)