Patient Seeks Answers on ‘Worrying’ Illness Problems

Lawyers who have represented victims affected by major Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks across the UK, and abroad, have been instructed to investigate after a man contracted the Legionella bacteria while receiving treatment at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

The man began to develop symptoms including a cough and general weakness at the start of April while undergoing dialysis as an outpatient at the hospital’s Severn Unit.

After his condition deteriorated, he was then subsequently admitted to the hospital and following investigations he was informed that he had tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease.

Several months on and with some of the symptoms still persisting, the man who is in his 70s and who does not want to be named, has called on Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Public Health lawyers to investigate his experience and help him gain answers regarding the problems.

The legal experts have vast experience of providing support to people affected by illness issues and in recent years notably represented a number of victims affected by major Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in both Edinburgh and Stoke-on-Trent. More recently, the team has been instructed by a number of individuals who have been affected by the Legionnaires’ outbreak relating to the Healax Salt Caves Spa in Bournemouth.

Expert Opinion

“Through our work we have sadly seen on numerous occasions how Legionnaires’ disease can have a debilitating impact on those affected, often leaving them struggling with long-term health conditions.

The first-hand account provided to us is very worrying and we have now commenced our own investigations into what our client faced. As part of our work, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may have also been affected by similar issues.”
Jatinder Paul - Partner

According to press reports, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital has previously been linked to the Legionella bacteria in both 2012 and 2016. The BBC reported that the latter issue in 2016 was also related to its dialysis unit.

Expert Opinion

“It is of course a particular concern that this hospital has reportedly had issues related to Legionnaires’ disease in the past and that will be something that falls under the microscope during our own work.

While we are determined to help our client gain answers, we are also committed to ensuring – where possible – lessons can be learned so that the issues seen in this case are not repeated again.”
Jatinder Paul - Partner

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