A HOSPITAL which failed to protect the public from the potentially fatal effects of Legionnaire's disease is due to be sentenced.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Basildon University Hospital under the Health and Safety at Work Act after two patients contracted the disease and died in 2007 and 2010.
Eight patients and visitors were affected between 2004 and 2010, an earlier court hearing was told.
The hospital pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act over failing to protect visitors and patients adequately from legionella.
A sentencing hearing will begin at Chelmsford Crown Court, although the judge's final decision may be deferred until Wednesday.
The hospital has said no cases of Legionnaire's disease - a serious lung infection caused by legionella bacteria - had occurred since 2011.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel