Routine testing and assessments are carried out throughout the NHS to ensure that water is safe within its buildings. However, could this be incorrect at NHS Tayside, as legionella bacteria was found more than 20 times over the year at the Dundee and Arbroath Sites.
Poor water quality would put both the public and staff that use these facilities at risk, so ensuring that regular Legionella testing and risk assessments are performed to the correct standard is vital. It seems that these regular checks are what has brought the water systems to the attention of the NHS, due to the samples reporting traces of the bacteria Legionella.
An NHS spokeperson from NHS Tayside has emphasized that “it is very important that the public is aware that none of the samples tested were from drinking water supply. We have confirmed this is the case.” They go on to state that “NHS Tayside can confirm drinking water has not been affected across any of our sites”.
This routine testing allowed them to identify the traces of Legionella and act on this accordingly. Forward planning and assessing risk factors is paramount for all organisations, to ensure public safety.
For more information or for support with your Legionella control, then get in touch with Maxigiene today.