Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the equipment available to eradicate (a) pseudomonas and (b) legionella type bacteria in water systems in health care environments; and if he will make a statement.

The Healthcare Safety Investigations Branch (HSIB) is studying the safety of oxygen systems in relation to COVID-19 but NHS England and NHS Improvement are not aware of any current safety incidents related to Pseudomonas or Legionella type bacteria. Each healthcare provider is expected to have a water safety policy and plan, covering both Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is monitored by their water safety group. This group should include infection prevention and control subject matter experts as part of its membership.

These water safety policies and plans will specify the requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of equipment and water testing which includes a risk stratification for clinical areas based upon national guidance. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hot-and-cold-water-supply-storage-and-distribution-systems-for-healthcare-premises

This draws together and updates the previous guidance and includes recommendations for the safe management of water systems and how to manage and minimise the risks to health from various aspects including those presented by Pseudomonas and Legionella bacteria.