HC Deb 06 June 1991 vol 192 cc323-4W
Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many isolates of legionella species have been found in the water supply of Greater Glasgow health board premises in the last year; which hospitals have been affected; and what steps have been taken.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Since June 1990 one species of Legionellaceae, namely, Legionella Pneumophila sero-group 1, has been found in the water systems within Greater Glasgow health board's premises.

During 1990 the Glasgow royal infirmary and the Glasgow Western infirmary both recorded cases of Legionnaire's disease. There are currently no outbreaks in Greater Glasgow area.

Greater Glasgow health board has an ongoing programme of water systems disinfection, maintenance and upgrading and are researching the proliferation of legionellae bacterium in water distribution systems. Over the past two years £250,000 has been spent on these measures and an allocation of £500,000 has been made for 1991–92.