Aspergillus Fumigatus Infection (Hansard, 16 January 2002)

§ Yvette Cooper

The National Health Service Estates has written to all regional heads of estates, asking them to raise awareness of the potential ofaspergillus fumigatus to cause infections within their Trusts. The letter gives advice on how to minimise the risk of aspergillosis, including detailed guidance on containment and reduction of spore numbers, particularly during demolition or extensive refurbishment. Guidance is given concerning those patients most likely to be at risk from aspergillus infection. Clinicians, infection control teams and estate teams are advised to undertake specific risk assessments and develop a co-ordinated strategy for ensuring that those at risk are not exposed to high levels of aspergillus, spores when any new or refurbishment building work is undertaken.

This advice and guidance was reiterated in the publication "Quarterly Briefing", which is distributed to over 1,200 recipients, including chief executives of trusts and health authorities and trust estate directors.

Examples of the precautions that may need to be taken are:

Erection of barriers impermeable to aspergillus spores between patient-care and construction areas to prevent dust from entering patient-care areas.
Prevention of dust accumulation, and regular cleaning of ceiling and air-duct grilles when rooms are not occupied by patients.
Maintenance of negative pressure building work areas relative to adjacent patient-care areas unless there are contra-indications, clinical care or infection control requirements, for such pressure differential.
Pedestrian traffic flow to be directed away from construction areas to prevent dust dispersion, entry of contaminated air or tracking of dust into patient areas.
Air and environmental monitoring for fungal spores to be considered when building work is taking place adjacent to a high dependency unit.