Council sentenced after legionella death at care home
- Date: 21 January 2016
Reading Borough Council (RBC) has been fined following an investigation into the death of a pensioner who died from exposure to legionella.
During the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution, Reading Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Lewis Payne, a 95-year-old vulnerable gentleman, arrived at RBC operated care facility, The Willows, on 24 September 2012.
He had previously been in hospital having suffered a broken leg and was attending The Willows to receive intermediate care before returning to his own home.
However, during his stay he began feeling unwell, complaining of aches and pains including tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. He was also suffering from nausea.
On 16 October 2012 he was re-admitted to hospital and a sample proved positive for the presence of Legionella. He underwent treatment for Legionnaire’s disease, but died on 1 November 2012 from pneumonia related to legionella.