Health inspectors are currently investigating a suspected outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Basildon University hospital in Essex, after a report last year found blood-splattered equipment at the hospital.

The Press Association reports that tests are being conducted on two patients suspected of being infected with the legionella bacterium. The hospital said in a statement that swabs from both patients – who were being treated in different parts of the hospital – have been sent away for tests and the hospital is waiting for the results.

The spokeswoman added that testing for legionella was common among patients with ‘suspicious’ respiratory conditions. The last outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease at the hospital was in 2007.

‘We have had problems with the disease before so we are acutely aware of the risk of the bacteria,’ added the spokeswoman.

’We have particularly high levels of control and are constantly performing checks and taking preventative measures.’

The hospital was also flagged up recently for having an ‘unusually high’ rate of mortality among patients, compared with other NHS hospitals. Health chiefs are now working to try and establish the source of the current suspected Legionnaires’ outbreak

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