The Medical Centre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch has reopened to patients and staff following a temporary closure due to legionella bacteria being detected in the water supply.
The building has been thoroughly disinfected by a team of specialists and tests have confirmed legionella bacteria is no longer present in the water supply, making it safe for people to return.
We are moving our practices back into the building in phases. Hornchurch Healthcare will return to the building on Wednesday 8 June, while Billet Lane Medical Practice will return on Thursday 9 June. Patients registered with Hornchurch Healthcare and Billet Lane Medical Practice will be notified.
We would like to thank neighbouring practices for their support during this time and take this opportunity to remind all practices about the steps they can take to reduce the risk of this happening.
Principle GPs and Practice Managers should:
- Ensure your practice has an identified ‘responsible person’.
- Ensure a Legionella risk assessment has been undertaken within the last 12 months.
- Ensure the risk assessment included an up to date diagram of the water system.
- Ensure you have a current policy in place for monitoring water temperatures and flushing outlets and the recording of these activities.
For further support or information please contact the Infection, Prevention & Control (IPC) Team via nelcsu.ipcteam@nhs.net
Download the information leaflet on Legionella and Water Safety in GP Practices for advice.