A hospital trust paid a six-figure settlement package to nine patients after an outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus linked to its water supply. Three patients died, two of whom died from complications connected to the outbreak following double-lung transplants in 2019. Six further patients suffered serious complications that continue to affect them. The trust denied liability but resolved each claim through out-of-court settlements after a group civil action. Inquests in 2022 found the infections were hospital-acquired. The hospital's chief executive said lessons have been learnt and regulations revised to help avoid similar occurrences. M.abscessus poses particular risk to vulnerable, immunosuppressed patients.
The trust denied liability but resolved each of the claims in out-of-court settlements, which were secured following a civil claim pursued as a group action. Family handout Six further patients suffered serious complications that continue to affect them following the outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus (M.abscessus), according to legal firm Irwin Mitchell. Lawyers said the "six-figure settlement package" was agreed in connection with the nine cases.
M.abscessus is a bacterial infection which is a particular risk to people who are vulnerable and immunosuppressed, such as lung transplant patients. Solicitor Jatinder Paul said patients were admitted to "this world-renowned hospital... in the hope of a better life". "While the surgical care itself hasn't been an issue, the events that unfolded have been devastating for them and their families," he said. He added large public buildings with complex water systems, such as hospitals, can be at an increased risk of waterborne contamination.
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