Care Home Closes Early After Legionnaire’s Bacteria Found In Water Supplies

An eldery care home has been shut down by the county council after rising levels of the bacteria which causes Legionnaire’s Disease were found in the water supply.

The Laurels residential home in Stafford was due to close next year as part of Staffordshire County Council’s Changing Lives programme.

But the discovery of the dangerous bacteria – and the cost of repairing the water system – has prompted councillors to take the decision to shut it early.

Susan Woodward, cabinet member for older people and healthier communities, said: “One commitment we made was that we wouldn’t close any care homes until the New Year, but I’m sure everyone will understand the urgency of the situation.

“We know these are frail and vulnerable people. Thankfully no-one has got the disease.

“The residents are still in The Laurels at present, but we are in the process of moving them out.”

The county council took the decision to close the care home, following consultation with the Commission for Social Care and Inspection and health and safety experts.

Regular weekly checks of the building’s water system found high levels of the legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaire’s Disease – the potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can be particularly deadly to elderly people.