East Sussex Healthcare Trust invests in Legionella monitoring

Urban Environments has been awarded the Legionella monitoring contract for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Following a competitive tender, the company has been retained for an initial 12-month period to provide UKAS-accredited, laboratory-based testing and analysis for Legionella throughout the Trust’s two sites: Conquest Hospital, near Hastings; and Eastbourne General Hospital.

Urban Environments will be using new Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis to deliver super-fast turnaround of laboratory findings, typically within 48 hours, alongside standard culture procedures, which generate results in 11-13 days. In addition to Legionella testing, the company will also be providing ongoing consultancy advice on water hygiene and any necessary remedial measures.

James Homard, founder and technical director of Urban Environments, said: “PCR testing is a recent development in laboratory analysis and is a valuable tool for monitoring bacteria in high-risk areas such as intensive care and renal units. However, results need to be interpreted carefully as occasionally dead bacteria will give a false positive.

“That said, given the danger of Legionella in a hospital environment, PCR, along with more-traditional testing and monitoring, will enable East Sussex Healthcare Trust to be on the front foot when it comes to maintaining a healthy, Legionella-free environment. We’re delighted to be working with them on this important contract.”