A surgery has been vacated into temporary cabins for several months after bacteria that can cause lung problems was found in its water supply.
Amersham Health Centre has moved its services into temporary buildings in its car park after Legionella bacteria was identified in its water system.
Legionella is known to cause the pneumonia-type illness Legionnaires’ disease and a mild flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.
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It is understood the discovery was made following “routine and precautionary testing” of the centre’s water system.
People can get Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever by inhaling droplets of water in the air containing the bacteria. Less commonly, by aspiration of drinking water containing Legionella (when water accidently goes into the lungs while drinking).
The centre announced that from Monday (February 14) essential works are underway to deal with the problem and that operations from the temporary buildings are expected to last eight to 12 weeks.
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It said risks to service users including patients, staff and visitors is “minimal”, and that extra measures (including special filters, enhanced flushes, and bottled water) are in place to “reduce and control” exposure.
It said while it will try to make the move “as seamless as possible”, technical issues could still occur.
Patients must also be aware there is no on-site parking, it added.
“As from today, February 14, we are operating from temporary buildings located in our car park area. We expect these arrangements to be in effect for around 8-12 weeks,” Amersham Health Centre said.
“The reason for these works is that after routine and precautionary testing at the Amersham Health Centre building and inspection of the integrity of its water system, Legionella bacteria has been identified.
“Please be reassured that any risks to users of this building – whether patients, staff or any other visitors is minimal. Enhanced mitigating measures have been put in place to further reduce and control any risks while we continue to use this site over the next few weeks. This includes the installation of special filters on all water outlets, daily enhanced flushes of the water system and the provision of bottled water for staff and patients.
“We are working hard with a number of colleagues and healthcare partners to ensure our move to these temporary buildings is as seamless as possible and that patients continue to access high quality services. Despite this, however, it is possible we may encounter some technical issues as our new arrangements begin.
“We apologise in advance if you should encounter any delays while we settle into these new arrangements – please be assured, we will be working to resolve any issues that may arise as quickly as possible.
“NHS Property Services is working closely with Amersham Health Centre and NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group to support the practice and its patients and to resolve this situation as soon as possible.”
For more information, visit https://www.amershamhealthcentre.co.uk/
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