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Last Updated: Monday, 29 March, 2004, 08:04 GMT 09:04 UK
Legionnaires' ward reopens
Royal United Hospital, Bath
The trust has a 'no stars' rating
The ward at a Somerset hospital hit by an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in which a patient died is to re-open.

It follows disinfection and testing at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The hospital has worked with the Health Protection Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and environmental experts to get the all clear.

Chief executive Mark Davies has offered his condolences to the family of the victim, who died in February, and has apologised for any distress.

The disease, which is caused by water-borne bacteria, is thought to have spread from a contaminated shower head at the hospital.

The hospital trust, which has a "no stars" rating in the NHS's league tables, said the case was an isolated one.

Legionnaires' disease, also known as legionellosis, is a rare form of pneumonia that contaminates water supplies and is fatal in 5-15% of cases.




SEE ALSO:
Legionnaires' death at hospital
02 Mar 04  |  Somerset
No stars for city hospitals
16 Jul 03  |  England
Warning over hospital bed closures
09 Jul 03  |  Somerset
Legionnaires' disease
08 Feb 03  |  Medical notes


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