Listeria in our hospitals

Listeria in our hospitals

Frightening news has developed – listeria cases in our hospitals due to contaminated food.

St Richards Hospital and Worthing Hospital have both been identified as having one confirmed case each of listeria.

Western Sussex Hospitals Trust (Trust responsible for Chichester and Worthing) is one of 43 hospital trusts to be supplied infected chicken from The Good Food Chain.

Public Health England (PHE) believes that pre-packed sandwiches and salads containing chicken are responsible for the national outbreak of listeria.

Eight hospitals, so far, have been affected by listeria outbreaks and 6 people have died as a result.

Listeria symptoms are usually mild, but in people with serious conditions or underlying illness, it can have serious consequences.

Vicki Wright, Personal Injury Solicitor at Swain & Co comments,

“Generally if you are in hospital, you are ill at the time or have underlying medical conditions. You trust that you are safe in the hospital and food available would be safe to eat. Tragically, at least 5 families have lost a loved one because of listeria outbreaks in the hospital. These deaths should never have happened.”

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock is calling for hospitals to bring their catering in house to restore trust in our hospitals.

Vicki comments,

“I agree that bringing food production and supply in house to our hospitals can help to reduce contamination risks. It may also help our NHS to be more environmentally friendly and support local business through sourcing. This has to have a hugely positive impact on all involved.”

What is listeria?

Listeria (or listeriosis) is a rare infection. In most people symptoms go unnoticed or they suffer mild symptoms.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and a temperature.

The incubation period can be up to 70 days.

In rare cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and to the brain.

Vicki Wright works in our Personal Injury department helping people and their families find answers when they have become ill, injured or lost their life through no fault of their own.

If you think you may have been affected by this national outbreak, Vicki is on hand to discuss with you with no obligation. Just an informal chat.

Call us on 02392 483322

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