Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre is to reopen tomorrow (Wednesday 5 September) – as planned – with all scheduled outpatient clinics resuming on the site.
Following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in some taps in the former Paignton Hospital building, outpatient clinics taking place at the centre were cancelled as a precaution from Friday 31 August. Remedial work and additional testing has now been undertaken and the centre will reopen from 5 September.
Although it is normal for Legionella bacteria to be present in older buildings and any risk to people in outpatient settings is minimal, the Trust decided as a precaution to cancel clinics at Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre whilst further testing and remedial works were conducted. Regular routine testing for legionella is undertaken on all Trust sites, however, will carry out additional tests at Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre over the coming weeks to monitor the situation.
Dr Selina Hoque, Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We carry out regular testing of all our estate buildings, and closed Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre as a precautionary measure to minimise the risk to our staff and patients. Our staff and contractors have worked incredibly hard over the past few days and we’re pleased that we are able to re-open Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre tomorrow, as planned.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the short notice cancellations, but protecting people’s health and safety was our first consideration.”
The swift actions taken by the Trust will prevent the possibility of infection. However, anyone who has a compromised immune system* or is pregnant and develops a cough/fever above 38 degrees after a recent clinic attendance at Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre should seek advice from their GP as there is a urine test for Legionella, performed at Torbay hospital and Legionella can be treated with antibiotics.
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