Wolverhampton hospital reopens after Legionella bacteria found in water system
A hospital in the Black Country where increased levels of the Legionella bacteria was discovered in the water system has reopened and patients have returned.
Health chiefs closed Penn Hospital, on Penn Road in Wolverhampton, earlier this month with patients being moved to other healthcare sites across the region.
Legionella is a bacteria which can give rise to mild flu-like illness known as Pontiac fever – and a serious type of lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease.
It was confirmed by the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust that the bacteria was identified in the water system following routine water testing.
And the hospital is once again back open – having reopened its doors on April 14 around two weeks after the bacteria was found – and patients have returned.
It’s the second time Legionella bacteria has been detected at the site, eight years after it was found in the water in 2014.
During that occasion access to some sinks, showers and toilets were blocked as a precautionary measure and temporary toilets were installed for patients to use.
Specialist filters were also been fitted on some showers so patients could continue to shower and where necessary bottled drinking water was provided.
