Paignton Health & Wellbeing Centre has been temporary closed until Tuesday 4th September.
Closure is due to the discovery of Legionella bacteria in some taps in the former Paignton Hospital Building.
The temporary closure has meant that outpatient appointments due to take place on the 31st August were cancelled until the 4th September.
Minimal risk
Despite the minimal risk and the normality of finding Legionella Bacteria in older buildings.
The decision was made to cancel all clinics at the Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre as a precaution.
Further testing and remedial works are currently underway at the centre.
Swift response
When it comes to the discovery of Legionella bacteria, swift action is needed to prevent the possibility of a wider infection.
Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre have acted quickly.
However, if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system and develop a cough/fever above 38 degrees you should seek advice from your GP.
A urine test for Legionella can be carried out at Torbay Hospital and if positive can be treated with antibiotics.
Public Health England informed
Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Torbay and South Devon NHS foundation trust said, Dr Selina Hoque:
We carry out regular testing of all our estate buildings, and are closing Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre as a precautionary measure to minimise the risk to our staff and patients. We hope to re-open Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre on Wednesday 5 September once we have checked that decontamination of the building has been completed.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the short notice cancellations, but protecting people’s health and safety is our first consideration. We will reschedule cancelled clinics as soon as possible, and in the meantime, anyone who has any queries about their appointment should contact the number given on their clinic letter.
