Legionella found in water supply at Eastbourne campus

Legionella – a bacterial infection – has been found in water tanks at the Eastbourne campus of the University of Brighton.
Part of the University of Brighton Eastbourne campusPart of the University of Brighton Eastbourne campus
Part of the University of Brighton Eastbourne campus

The outbreak has thwarted plans to re-open Sportswise, the specialist private clinic for the treatment of sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems, in The Welkin Building in Carlisle Road.

During the coronavirus lockdown, a physiotherapy service has been operating from the Natural Fitness Centre on Eastbourne seafront and it was hoped Sportswise could re-open from Wednesday July 1.

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But a spokesperson confirmed that because of the presence of Legionella in the water tanks at the building, the plan had been put on hold.

University of Brighton, Welkin House, Sportswise centre.  Eastbourne campus. September 3rd 2013 E36147P ENGSUS00120130509171256University of Brighton, Welkin House, Sportswise centre.  Eastbourne campus. September 3rd 2013 E36147P ENGSUS00120130509171256
University of Brighton, Welkin House, Sportswise centre. Eastbourne campus. September 3rd 2013 E36147P ENGSUS00120130509171256

A spokesperson said, “We hope to get news from the university that the test after treatment will be clear in the week starting Monday July 6 with the hope to re-open from Wednesday July 8.

“We will start to call patients on our holding list to go through the pre-screening in the coming days. However, if the test comes back as not clear then we will call you again to postpone.

“Services continue from the Natural Fitness Centre in the interim period.”

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Legionella is a type of bacteria which can grow and spread in man made water systems in buildings.

As it multiplies, water containing Legionella then has to spread in droplets small enough for people to breathe in.

People can get Legionnaires’ Disease – a fatal type of pneumonia – or Pontiac fever when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria.

A spokesperson for the University of Brighton said, “Many of our buildings currently are closed due to the coronavirus. As part of normal processes for re-opening, we have conducted cleansing and routine tests on water supplies to ensure they are safe prior to reoccupation.

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“During recent tests we have had a small number of positive results which is not unusual when buildings and water supplies have been unused for a period of time.

“We currently are sterilising the impacted areas which, again, is a routine procedure, to help minimise the risk of a legionella outbreak, prior to allowing reoccupation.

“The safety of everyone who uses our buildings remains paramount.”

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