Prevention of Legionella in hospitals

Date: 09/02/2018
Updated: 26/8/2024
Read Time: 1min 50 sec
Author: Matthew Cox

Key Points:

• Hospitals are increasingly facing Legionella outbreaks due to contaminated drinking water.
• A recent solution implemented by Southland Filtration at a major hospital in Victoria successfully eliminated Legionella by using a high-performance filtration system and regular flushing.
• Filtration technology offers a simple and cost-effective way to prevent Legionella outbreaks in hospitals.

Legionella, a dangerous bacteria, poses a significant threat in hospitals, as evidenced by the increasing number of outbreaks linked to contaminated drinking water. Legionella.org highlights that large building water distribution systems, like those in hospitals, are major culprits, surpassing previously emphasized sources like cooling towers.

Traditionally, controlling Legionella involved complex and costly measures. However, recent advancements offer promising solutions. A case study from a major Victorian hospital demonstrates the effectiveness of a new approach.

Prior to mid-2014, the hospital battled recurring positive Legionella tests. This changed in mid-2014, when they implemented a site upgrade using a high-performance filtration system alongside a regular fixture flushing program. Since then, their water tests have consistently come back negative for Legionella.

This automatic filtration system offers a simple and cost-effective solution for building managers. It uses advanced filters to remove  contaminants as small as 6 microns from the incoming water supply. These microscopic particles can harbor Legionella, and their elimination significantly reduces the risk of the bacteria entering and multiplying within the hospital’s plumbing.

The success of this case study demonstrates the power of filtration technology in preventing Legionella outbreaks. While the specific brand used in this instance is the AUTOFINE filter by Southland Filtration, other high-performance filters can achieve similar results.

By prioritizing water quality and implementing effective filtration systems, hospitals can significantly reduce the risk of Legionella and create a safer environment for patients and staff.