Media Statement
Attributed to London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has been advised by the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) that, following extensive testing, Victoria Hospital is not the source of the recent Legionella outbreak in London, which was declared over by MLHU today.
Last month Legionella bacteria were detected in the cooling towers at Victoria Hospital. While this was a concerning finding, LHSC acted quickly and decisively – initiating chemical cleaning to eradicate bacteria, restricting affected systems, and launching a full environmental remediation plan. At the same time, although preliminary in nature and one of many in the community testing positive, we proactively notified our staff and the community.
Testing has now confirmed there is no link between the Legionella bacteria found at LHSC and the outbreak strain that was circulating in the community.
Although LHSC is not the source, we recognize the presence of Legionella bacteria in our cooling towers is concerning to our community. We recognize the gravity of this situation which has now been addressed. Our cooling towers at both sites have been chemically treated, are undergoing terminal cleaning, and all immediate risks have been mitigated.
Moving forward, LHSC will continue to:
Conduct regular environmental testing and seasonal Legionella screening;
Monitor cooling towers and water systems; and
Implement a long-term Water Safety and Management Plan to prevent recurrence.
According to MLHU and our Infection Prevention and Control team, there is no elevated risk to patients, staff, or visitors. Cooling towers are not connected to hospital drinking water or indoor air systems.
We continue to work closely with MLHU and have offered our full cooperation to assist them in identifying the source of the community outbreak. While the situation at LHSC has been deemed unrelated, we are committed to being part of the broader public health solution.
