Emergency water safety and other control measures have been put in place to protect residents after legionella was detected in the water at two care facilities for the older persons in Clare.
Regular sampling at St Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis and at Raheen Community Nursing Unit in Tuamgraney identified high readings of legionella in both locations.
A multidisciplinary team – including the Department of Public Health HSE Mid West, environmental health, and local infection control and maintenance teams– has been engaged to protect residents and staff and to implement control measures. Residents have been informed of the risks and HIQA has also been notified. There are currently no confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s disease among residents or staff in either location.
HSE Midwest says it is taking the following actions:
– Ongoing monitoring of residents and staff for signs and symptoms
– Onsite medical teams in ongoing contact with microbiology
– Remedial action taken by maintenance teams to flush and disinfect water systems
– Use of bottled water only for drinking/washing for residents and staff until further notice
These temporary measures, necessary to minimise the presence of legionella in the water and the associated risk, are being taken in the best interests of residents and staff.
Management at St Joseph’s and at Raheen are acutely aware of the ongoing impact the emergency water safety controls on resident dignity and welfare and the multidisciplinary team is engaged with nursing staff on mitigation measures to meet care needs of our residents.
Visiting arrangements continue as normal at both St Joseph’s and Raheen.
