An independent report into the death of a woman who contracted Legionnaires disease at Waterford Regional Hospital has recommended a national study into the cleanliness of hospitals and outbreaks of infections in them.
A mother-of-seven from Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, Mrs Ena Kiely (61), died at the hospital in April. After her death, the South Eastern Health Board (SEHB) established an independent inquiry to determine the cause of the infection and to propose measures to make sure it doesn't happen again.
The report, published this afternoon, states the infection was probably contracted from one of two sites; a shower room where the patient was staying at the hospital or from a contaminated nebuliser - used to assist patients with breathing difficulties.
Welcoming the report, Mr Pat McLoughlin, ceo of the SEHB, said all the recommendations in the report relating to the health board would be implemented - adding that many have been implemented already. He also extended sympathy on behalf of the board to the family and friends of Mrs Kiely.
"This is an extremely important report that requires careful consideration by every hospital service in Ireland." Mr McLoughlin added that "it is a scientific fact that we cannot eliminate the risk of Legionella[bacteria], but as a health service we must take every step to minimise that risk."
The report noted that parts of the hot water system in the hospital were below 50 degrees - the minimum temperature to prevent the survival and growth of Legionalla. Responding to this finding, the hospital is currently putting in place new temperature sensors.
The report found that the presence of Legionnaire's disease was confirmed on April 21st, after which anti-bacterial measures were taken. On June 10th, all water outlets tested were "culture negative for Legionellabacteria".
Twelve recommendations, including that the water systems in the remaining hospitals in the SEHB area be assessed, were made in the report. According to Mr McLoughlin, this process has started and will be completed within six months.
The board has also installed chlorine dioxide treatment to the water system at Waterford Regional Hospital. One person, the technical services manager at the hospital, has been appointed to co-ordinate Legionellacontrol measures within the hospital.
The independent inquiry team was chaired by Prof. David Coleman, professor of microbiology, School of Dental Science at Trinity College Dublin.