Public Health Experts Concern at Reports of People Being Taken To Hospital

Public Health experts at national law firm Irwin Mitchell have welcomed an investigation into reports that wedding guests at a Telford hotel were struck down with gastric illness.

A party of 56 people attended a wedding at the Buckatree Hall Hotel on 7 August.  Most of the group – including the bridge and groom – later complained of stomach cramps and sickness.

Some guests are even reported to have been taken to hospital as a result of illness, reports The Shropshire Star.

An investigation has been launched by Public Health England West Midlands (PHE).

Specialist Public Health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have expressed concern at the outbreak and called for those affected to be made aware of the investigation’s findings as soon as possible. 

Irwin Mitchell’s market leading Public Health team have represented thousands of people who have suffered illness after eating at restaurants or hotels. They also have vast experience of handling cases for groups of people who have fallen ill after attending weddings or other large gatherings. Last year, they secured a six-figure settlement for victims of a salmonella outbreak at the Real China restaurant in Eastleigh in 2014.

Expert Opinion

“Through our work we see many cases where people have fallen seriously ill as a result of inadequate health and hygiene standards and the news reports that so many people have been affected in this case is particularly concerning.

A wedding is meant to be a joyous occasion, and understandably those who have been affected after having attended the Buckatree Hotel will no doubt want answers as to how this has happened.

The effects of gastric illnesses should not be downplayed as many people can be left with lasting health problems as a result.

While it is reassuring that an investigation into what has happened is under way, it is vital that if problems are identified, lessons are learned and measures are put in place to ensure no one else has to suffer like this. Food hygiene and the safety of customers must always be the key concern.”
Jatinder Paul - Partner

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling public health cases