Reading Borough Council (RBC) Sentenced
Source: http://press.hse.gov.uk
The RBC has been prosecuted and fined after a 95-year-old vulnerable man contracted legionella after staying at The Willows, a care facility operated by RBC in September 2012.
The gentleman (Mr. Payne) had been receiving intermediate care whilst recovering from a broken leg when he became sick. Mr. Payne was taken to hospital after “complaining of aches and pains including tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. He was also suffering from nausea.”
Once re-admitted he was treated for Legionnaire’s disease but sadly passed away 1st November 2012 from pneumonia related to legionella.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) stated:
“RBC’s failings were systemic and continued over a period of time. There was a history of legionella problems at the home. The control and management arrangements were not robust and the legionella training of key personnel fell significantly below the required standard.”
Other noted areas of concern for the case were:
- Showers were not descaled and disinfected quarterly as required.
- Flushing of infrequently used outlets were reliant on one member of staff with no back-up procedure for illness.
- Temperature checks from Thermostatic Mixer Valves (TMV’s) were not checked correctly.
