Patient treated for Legionnaires'

The case was reported last week

A patient is being treated for the deadly Legionnaires' disease at a hospital in Merseyside.

The Cardiothoracic Centre in Thomas Drive, Liverpool, is one of the largest chest and heart specialist hospitals in the UK.

An investigation is under way into the source of the infection.

"The trust is taking every precaution to ensure this remains an isolated incident," said Mike Bone, the centre's chief executive.

The case was reported to the Health and Safety Executive last week but details have only just emerged.

Safety 'paramount'

Mr Bone added: "Investigations involving the Health Protection Agency and the Health & Safety Executive are being carried out to identify a possible source of infection.

"The safety of our patients and staff is paramount and therefore until the outcome of the investigation is known we have already taken a number of precautionary measures.

"All planned surgeries and procedures will proceed as scheduled and every effort will be taken to minimise any possible disruption to patients".

Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by a bacterium called legionella pneumophilia. It is not transmissible from person to person.