Four confirmed cases of a potentially fatal disease causes hospital closure.
Cronford hospital has been closed to patients this morning due to an outbreak of legionaires`disease.
The outbreak was confirmed last evening and is believed to have started in the air conditioning system on the Daneway Ward`s maternity department.
Lily Harborne`s daughter Debbie who gave bith on Friday was sent home last night after her baby became ill.
Debbie`s baby boy who is one of the patients being treated on Parkhurst Ward. Lily Harborne(59) said "We are all absolutely distraught."
Two women who have just had babies, as well as a midwife who was on duty yesterday are also being treated on Parkhurst Ward all are said to be responding well to treatment.
The out break looks set to see up to 250 patients in both medical and surgical wards being transfered to nearby hospitals.
Investigation on the air conditioning system are underway by scientists from both the hospital and Blowhamton University, the system has been closed until fully cleared of infection.
A hospital spokesperson has stressed, "Actions have been taken as a precautionary measure only,the disease is not passed from person to person, the arrangements will only be in place for a matter of days."
All outpatient clinics have, until further notice been suspended. The hospital has set up a hotline for relative and patient queries on 01372 400 400.
Additional actions
Would want to find out further details as to the possible causes of the outbreak. Would want to therefore speak to the team of scientists and hospital officials who were testing the air con system. Speak to one of the patients being treated, possibly the midwife as to get a medical outlook on the symptoms also. Speak to one of the doctors who are treating the patients to get an expert view on the symptoms. Speak to the receptionist on the hotline number to find out what the publics reactions were. Speak to Debbie herself to find out her situation and when she can again visit her baby son. Speak to one of the 250 patients who had to be moved to another hopsital and find out their feelings on the situation.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Hi Ellie,
I think you have this piece nearly right, but I would definitely be inclined to start proceedings with details of the people affected, rather than the fact of the hospital closure. The fact that a new born baby is involved is immediately newsworthy and should form part of the headline. Is it 'clinging to life', perhaps?
There seems to be something funny with the way your apostrophe appears, but it looks like you have it in the right place, in the spelling of Legionnaires', at least.
Well done.
Post a Comment