Legal Experts Call For Thorough Investigation Into Problems

Birmingham-based lawyers specialising in helping victims of illness outbreaks in the UK and abroad have revealed their concerns after Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that tests are underway at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, after 20 patients tested positive for Salmonella.

Eight ward areas are operating with restricted visiting access after the patients, eight of whom remain in hospital and three of whom are members of staff, were diagnosed with the potentially fatal infection.

Visitors have been urged to remember the importance of hand washing and have been asked not to visit the hospital if they have suffered gastric symptoms during the last 48 hours, while deep cleaning of all areas is continuing. Food and water testing have not identified signs of Salmonella bacteria in hospital food or water.

Irwin Mitchell’s illness lawyers have helped hundreds of people secure justice regarding outbreaks of Salmonella and other illnesses both in the UK and abroad.

They are currently representing over 40 victims following an outbreak of Salmonella at the Spice Festival in Newcastle between 28 February 2013 – 2 March 2013, as well as several victims who suffered gastric illness following visits to Dunn’s Dairy in Devon. The legal team have successfully represented thousands of other clients who have suffered from Salmonella and other serious gastric illnesses.

Expert Opinion

Salmonella is a very serious illness and some victims can go on to develop long-term health problems from which they never fully recover.

"Because of this, it is vital that the problems at Heartlands Hospital are thoroughly investigated. Clearly the priorities must be to treat all of those who have been made ill and to take immediate and effective steps to prevent other patients, visitors and staff becoming ill.

"Attention will then need to turn to identifying the cause of the infection. This will be essential to provide victims and their loved ones with the answers they will want as to what caused their illness. There may also be important lessons to be learnt to reduce the risk of future outbreaks of serious illness." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner