Queen’s Takes Precautionary Measures to Ensure Patient Safety and Well-Being
The Queen’s Medical Center is working closely with the Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify sources of Legionella exposure within and outside of the hospital. Patient safety is the highest priority at Queen’s, and we have implemented a number of measures to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone on our Punchbowl campus.
The following FAQs include steps we have taken to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff:
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by breathing in small droplets of water that contain the Legionella bacteria.
Should I be concerned about the disease?
Queen’s water is safe to drink for anyone with a healthy immune system. Legionella are spread through water that has been aerosolized (i.e., water that has become airborne through spraying, misting, splashing, etc.). It is not readily transmissible from person to person and most exposed to the bacteria do not become ill.
What steps will be taken to ensure my safety while I am a patient at Queen’s Health?
We have taken a number of precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. We have also proactively asked all health care providers to take additional precautions with patients who are at greatest risk of contracting Legionellosis. Legionella is most likely to occur in people who have weakened immune systems. While Queen’s water is safe for drinking and bathing, bottled water and/or bath kits are available upon request.
We appreciate your cooperation as we ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff, and continue to provide the highest quality of care.
For more information, call Queen’s Legionella Information Line at 808-691-8222.
About Legionnaire’s Disease from CDC
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