Feltham Dene care home still closed after legionnaires scare

Hounslow Council has stopped paying the healthcare provider which runs a care home closed following a legionnaires scare.

Elderly residents at Feltham Dene residential home, in Spring Road, Feltham, were still being looked after at alternative accommodation this week after inspectors found “unacceptable levels” of the bacteria in the water supply on October 8.

Hounslow Council has suspended paying Shaw Healthcare for its services, and will instead use taxpayers’ cash to fund the 34 pensioners’ care elsewhere until they are able to move back in.

Council officers are due to meet with Shaw Healthcare bosses to discuss future arrangements.

Councillor Pam Fisher, lead member for adult social services at Hounslow Council, said: “This isn’t an ideal situation for anyone, but council taxpayers wouldn’t want us continuing to pay Shaw Healthcare under the current circumstances.

“I’m hopeful the meeting with Shaw will provide clarity about their role at Feltham Dene.”

The bacteria can cause Legionnaire’s disease, which has symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and coughing, but the home confirmed none of its residents had reported feeling ill.

The council said it is constantly reviewing the situation and will release more details when it gets results from further tests.

A council spokesman said the authority, which owns the home, decided to shut it as a precaution and had worked with residents’ families to find the most suitable alternative care.

He added the council’s engineers had been carrying out a routine check when they discovered the legionella bacteria.