The HTM04-01 Addendum has been published concerning the control/minimising the risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with water outlets.
The Addendum document provides guidance on:
- Assessing the risk to patients when water systems become contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or other opportunistic pathogens;
- Developing water safety plans (WSPs).
- Remedial actions to take when a water system becomes contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- Protocols for sampling, testing and monitoring water for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The guidance is predominantly directed towards healthcare organisations involved with patient care. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is specifically dangerous to patients such as premature babies, people being treated in intensive care units and people undergoing cancer chemotherapy treatment.
More serious pseudomonas infections include:
- Wound infection (particularly in severe burn wounds)
- Pneumonia and lung infections (particularly in people treated in intensive care units and in people with cystic fibrosis)
- Bloodstream infection (particularly in people treated in intensive care units or who are undergoing cancer chemotherapy)
- Kidney infections (particularly in people who have had a urinary catheter in place for a long time)
Recommended steps:
In order to stay protected the guidance provides the following steps:
- Set up a Water Safety Group (WSG) as per your Legionella Risk Assessment
- Develop a Water safety plan (WSP)
- Carry out a clinical risk assessment
NOTE: The clinical risk assessment may form part of the Legionella risk assessment as the control measures for both have common areas of overlap.
- Having undertaken the Clinical risk assessment, an action plan must be developed, which should include remedial actions, any training or competency issues that need to be addressed.
- Finally the guidance recommends sampling & testing protocols for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
If you have any questions about the management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, please contact us on 0845 6399673 0r +353 1 257 3141 from Ireland.
