HEALTH chiefs at Basildon Hospital - where there has been a suspected outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease - have stressed they have a firm grip on the situation.

Two patients at the hospital are currently suspected of having the bacterial disease, including one from Thurrock, which can be fatal in some cases.

The Gazette revealed last week how the troubled hospital was carrying out swab tests on the two patients as well as a number of others and launching a full investigation.

The results of the tests will be revealed on Friday.

However the hospital stressed how no new suspected cases of the disease, which is not contagious, have so far come to light.

Nicola Laver, spokesman for Basildon Hospital, said: “We are awaiting the results of tests being carried out by an external laboratory to confirm whether the patients have Legionnaire’s disease.

“These results are expected by Friday.

“Despite continued heightened vigilance, no further suspected cases have been identified.

“It is our normal clinical practice to test patients with a suspicious respiratory infection for legionella, because we are aware of the risk of the presence of the bacteria in the hospital’s water system.

“This means that anyone diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease is identified quickly and treated with the appropriate medication promptly. “ The Trust is working with the Health Protection Agency to investigate the possible outbreak.

The last outbreak of the disease at the hospital was in 2007.

Mrs Laver added: “We routinely and regularly treat and check the water system and independent audits are carried out to ensure our processes are rigorous.

“The most recent external independent review was carried out in June 2009 by a nationally recognised legionella expert, commissioned by NHS South West Essex. “ Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung infection caused by the bacteria legionella.

The bacteria is commonly found in sources of water such as rivers and lakes but can sometimes find their way into artificial water supply systems, like air conditioning equipment.

Symptoms include headaches, fever, chills, muscle pain and coughs.

About 10 per cent of people who contract Legionnaires' disease will die from complications arising from infection.

This is the latest in a string of problems to rock the hospital.

Bosses at the hospital trust have been battling overcome a scathing hygiene report from the Care Quality Commission and an above norm patient death rate from the medical analysis group Dr Foster.

Both published unflattering reports into the hospital in November.

However, a follow up spot check of the A&E unit - which was slated in the report - by inspectors in early December, revealed the trust is now meeting minimum hygiene standards and has made a number of improvements.