Wilrijk Brussels Morning Newspaper) – ZAS Augustinus hospital in Wilrijk closed hot water taps in one wing after safety concerns, while 1st tests showed no metals, and cold water remains safe under continued checks.
As VRT News reported, some patients at the ZAS Augustinus hospital in Wilrijk, district of Antwerp, Belgium, are facing problems with the hot water supply in one of the wings. The hospital has taken precautionary steps to avoid any risk.
All hot water taps in the affected area of the building are closed. The pipes will be regularly flushed to keep things clean and stop the development of organisms such as Legionella and others. These procedures will remain until the issue is completely resolved.
What steps is ZAS Augustinus Hospital in Wilrijk taking to address hot water safety?
The hospital has also started an investigation to find the cause of the problem. Water samples are being analysed by specialised laboratories to check if the system meets the strict hygiene rules. The hospital says the steps are needed to secure safe water for patients, visitors, and staff while normal service is being restored.
ZAS Augustinus Hospital in Wilrijk has reported that the first results of the water tests are positive. The hospital confirmed that metals are not present in the water, but other analyses are still being carried out. Cold water is safe to use again, and no discolouration has been observed.
Patients can use other shower facilities elsewhere in the hospital. Special arrangements are available for people with mobility difficulties so that they are not left without access. It has not yet been determined how many patients are affected by the problem.
In Belgium, hospitals previously experienced water safety issues, usually as a result of the threat of Legionella bacteria. In May 2019, a number of cases of Legionella infection were experienced in Flanders, following which the checks were tightened and monitoring of hospital water networks in the region became stricter.
