Call for closer monitoring of hospital water systems

Published: 3-Feb-2012

Rigorous investigation planned into Pseudomonas outbreak in neonatal units in Northern Ireland


Water industry experts are urging hospital trusts across the UK to step up the monitoring and treatment of water systems following the Pseudomonas outbreak that killed three babies in Northern Ireland.

A “full and rigorous” investigation is to be carried out into the outbreak at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Unit, which is believed to have stemmed from faulty taps on the neonatal intensive care ward, according to Northern Ireland Health Minister Edwin Poots. The probe will be chaired by Professor Patricia Ann Troop, former chief executive of the Health Protection Agency (HPA), and will be facilitated by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). It will investigate the reasons for the outbreak, the actions taken, and any lessons that can be learned.

My priority is to ensure that the review is thorough and rigorous, but also makes recommendations on any immediate actions that we need to take.

These areas for improvement are expected to include the development of updated guidance on water treatment and monitoring practices in healthcare settings.

“Given the gravity of what has happened, my priority is to ensure that the review is thorough and rigorous, but also makes recommendations on any immediate actions that we need to take,” said Poots. “I want an interim report by the end of March, so that urgent actions can be taken.

“We know that Pseudomonas is a very difficult organism to eradicate completely and permanently. Therefore, I have directed that the RQIA develops, with expert public health input from the Public Health Agency (PHA), a range of specialised audit tools. This audit tool will provide self-assessment standards for trusts. RQIA will provide the necessary independent assurance that these are being fully followed and implemented.”

As a result of the outbreak in Northern Ireland, every tap on every clinical handwash basin in every neonatal unit is being changed and water samples from those outlets tested. In the meantime only sterile water will come into contact with babies and staff have been told to thoroughly wash and dry their hands and use a special handrub before touching any patients.

Preventing the growth of Pseudomonas species, and Legionella bacteria, within water systems requires similar and relatively straightforward procedures.

Jill Cooper, group microbiologist at B&V Water Treatment, told Cleanroom Technology: “Pseudomonas species can cause problems within water systems as they will produce biofilm on surfaces. When this is present on the pipework of a water system it protects and harbours harmful bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Legionella [and] is difficult to remove.”

She added: “Preventing the growth of Pseudomonas species, and Legionella bacteria, within water systems requires similar and relatively straightforward procedures.

“The first line of defence against Pseudomonas colonisation and proliferation within the system should be considered as everything covered by the Legionella risk assessment remedial actions and monitoring regimen. If all remedial actions have been completed and all ongoing monitoring, such as flushing and temperature controls, are maintained and the problem persists, it may be necessary to implement a chemical dosing regimen to the water system onsite.”

Standard treatments include continuous dosing of the water system with chlorine dioxide, the installation of silver-copper ionisation equipment, and, to a limited extent, the use of UV and ozone. Point-of-use filters can also be used to reduce risk, but do not, in any way, address any underlying microbiological problems.

The incident at Belfast has given everybody in the healthcare industry a stark reminder of the importance of considering every aspect of microbiological control.

“All healthcare premises should have a risk assessment and regular review every two years as part of their Legionella control programme,” said Cooper. “This should be carried out by a reputable water treatment company, which will have risk assessors with specific training and experience in conducting risk assessments.

“A good water treatment provider will be able to advise on all aspects of microbiological control within water systems in healthcare premises. The incident at Belfast has given everybody in the healthcare industry a stark reminder of the importance of considering every aspect of microbiological control, including Pseudomonas, within water systems.”

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