A QUEENSLAND hospital is moving to completely flush its water systems after the discovery of legionella bacteria.
PATIENTS at the Hervey Bay Hospital were ordered to only drink bottled water and refrain from using showers after the problem was detected.
A patient who died at the hospital in April tested positive to legionella. The chairman of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board, Dominic Devine, has moved to reassure the public after the discovery. The risk management procedures undertaken at the hospital are exemplary, he said. “There will be further testing at multiple points across the Hervey Bay Hospital (after the flushing),” Mr Devine said. “We will inform our community of the results when they come to hand.” The flushing is due to be completed on Saturday. Patients are being offered sponge baths to stay clean.