E-coli found in hospital’s water

THE largest psychiatric hospital in Munster is being forced to replace its entire water treatment system after traces of E-coli were found in the supply.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) South Forum confirmed yesterday that testing late last week confirmed traces of the bacteria — which can cause serious health difficulties in infants and elderly people — at St Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, Co Cork.

The hospital water treatment system also supplies 17 private houses nearby. It does not supply any other houses in the Glanmire/Riverstown area.

The HSE issued a “boil water” notice to all householders on the hospital’s supply line last Friday.

The hospital is adhering to the advice of the HSE’s Environmental Health Department to use bottled water and boiled water where necessary.

“To date, there have been no cases of illness linked to the E-coli find,” a HSE spokesperson said.

The entire water treatment system on the extensive grounds of the hospital is being replaced and testing of the water supply for E-coli traces will continue for the next two weeks.

“The boiled water notice will therefore remain in place for the next two weeks and residents will be advised as soon as the all-clear can be given to lift the boiled water notice,” the HSE spokesperson said.

“The HSE apologises for the inconvenience caused and appreciates the co-operation of all staff, patients and residents currently affected,” the spokesperson added.

The HSE is advising that in the event of E-coli being present in any water supply, it is essential that water be boiled for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, diluting concentrated drinks and preparing salads and other foods which are not cooked prior to eating.

“Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets, but not for brushing teeth or gargling,” the HSE spokesperson said.

Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink and domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink either.

The spokesperson added that caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bath water.

In addition, people should discard ice cubes and filtered water in fridges.

“People should prepare baby feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. They should not use water that has been reboiled several times.

“They also should not use bottled mineral water as some brands contain concentrations of minerals that are too high for babies,” the spokesperson said.

People with an impaired immune system, young children and older persons are more susceptible to E-coli infection.