Salmonella Outbreak at HMP Wandsworth
At Swain & Co we have received a number of enquiries relating to an apparent outbreak of Salmonella at Wandsworth Prison in September 2009.
Our initial investigation revealed that over 370 inmates appear to have contracted the illness with only a small number of those being confirmed as a result of tests being carried out.
The outbreak was so severe that on 17 September 2009 staff were sent home and visits were cancelled while officials from the Department of Health investigated.
We understand that inmates at the prison were complaining of symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea as far back as Tuesday 15th September 2009.
Visitors were allowed back into the prison on 21 September 2009 and we are advised that by the 22 September 2009 just 20 inmates and staff remained affected by the illness.
At the present time the source of the outbreak is unknown.
Many inmates at Wandsworth have been affected by this incident and will, doubtless, be wondering if there is a claim for financial compensation resulting from the same.
The answer is, clearly, YES and we have already received some enquiries about this.
We are keen to take these cases forward but there is strength in numbers. If any person reading this has been affected by the outbreak at HMP Wandsworth they should write to Melanie Lidstone-Land who is based at our Southampton office with the following details:-
- The symptoms that you suffered;
- The date those symptoms began;
- How long your illness continued?
- Did you attend Healthcare?
- What treatment did you receive?
- Were you diagnosed with Salmonella?
- How was diagnosis made?
If possible it would assist if you could provide a note of the food you ate at the prison for the 2 days prior to your illness and if any of the handling and/or preparation of that food gave you cause for concern.