§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of Legionnaire's disease have been reported at St. Helier hospital, Merton.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeA single case of legionaire's disease was confirmed on 20 June at St. Helier hospital. We understand it to be an isolated case.
§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what investigations are being mounted, and by whom, into the reported outbreak of legionnaire's disease at St. Helier hospital, Merton.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeSince a single case of Legionnaire's disease was confirmed on 20 June at St.68W Helier hospital detailed investigations have been undertaken by the district medical officer, the consultant hospital microbiologist, who is also the hospital infection officer, and other professional and technical staff of the Merton and Sutton health authority. They have received expert help and advice from the communicable disease surveillance centre, Colindale, which is able to draw on recent experience gained in connection with the outbreak in Staffordshire.
Water samples and specimens from other patients who have been admitted to the renal unit at St. Helier during the past 2–3 months have been sent to public health laboratories at Oxford and Epsom and samples are continuing to be taken for analysis. So far all the results are negative but final results from the initial samples are due this week.