Key update on Pseudomonas control

Professor Dame Sally Davies, the director general of research and development and chief scientific adviser for the Department ofHealth and NHS, has issued updated advice for safe operation of water distribution systems.

The update points out emerging evidence relating to the control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water systems, in light of the recent outbreak in Northern Ireland.

Dame Davies in her statement has reminded all healthcare providers and their infection prevention and control teams to carry out regular and thorough risk assessments to establish if water that may have direct orindirect patient contact is contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and minimise any risks that are identified.

Technical guidance will be available at end of March 2012 on sampling, testing and monitoring aspects; what action to take in event of aproblem and; advice to help inform local water safety action plans.

Davies said healthcare providers who think that their taps or water systems may be contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa should seek specialist advice from their regional microbiologist, HPU and HPA.

Professor Dame Sally Davies statement and document on best practice to minimise Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination can be downloaded here.