Swindon’s Great Western Hospital's water supply contaminated

Great Western Hospital has said that the water at the facility had been tested resulting in traces of pseudomonas being found.

According to the NHS, pseudomonas can cause a wide range of infections, particularly in those with a weakened immune system.

GWH has stressed that none of its patients have contracted an infection through the water system and that there is a "low risk" of this happening.

The hospital called in experts to test the patients. (Image: Dave Cox)

One resident approached the Adver and claimed their partner was affected, having developed an infection while staying at the hospital.

GWH says this is not the case.

“My partner who has spent quite a few weeks in the hospital has been identified as having an infection in their bladder,” said the resident.

“This is serious as they have underlying health problems.”

Pseudomonas is a type of bacterium that can cause lung infections, according to charity Asthma+LungUK.

It is commonly found in soil and water, and rarely causes problem in people with healthy lungs, but can be difficult to treat as it doesn't respond to commonly used antibiotics.

It can cause a variety of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, wound infections, sepsis, gastrointestinal infections and skin infections.

Those with long-term conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and COPD are more likely to get a Pseudomonas infection, whilst those with immune system problem can also get an infection.

Great Western Hospital has responded to a patient's claims over the water supply. (Image: Dave Cox)

The Swindon hospital discovered the bacteria in the water supply onsite which led to several preventative measures being installed across the facilities.

A Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Many water systems contain traces of pseudomonas - a bacteria commonly found in water - and earlier this year the Trust identified pseudomonas in some parts of the water system across the hospital.

The hospital says that the bacteria is commonly found in water. (Image: Dave Cox)

“We introduced measures to reduce the bacteria rates, including strict infection control, enhanced cleaning approaches and the installation of filters on some taps, and this work has significantly reduced the level of pseudomonas.”

After learning of the bacteria’s presence, experts were called into Great Western Hospital to test patients for any signs, symptoms or effects of the water contamination.

“The water system is working as usual and the water remains safe to drink and there is a very low risk of the spread of infection to patients or staff,” added the GWH spokesperson.

“The UK Health Security Agency conducted genetic testing of patient cases and there were no links between infection rates and pseudomonas levels in the hospital.”