Croxford hospital has been closed today due to an outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease in the maternity department.
The outbreak was confirmed at 7pm yesterday evening by a Croxford NHS Trust statement and the hospital was closed to incoming patients from 10am this morning.
All patient awaiting non-emergency operations are being sent home.
One new born baby, two patients who have recently given birth and a midwife are being treated for the disease but are responding well to treatment.
Lilly Harborne, 59, said: “My daughter Debbie had the baby, a little boy, on Friday, but was sent home last night after her baby became ill. They’ve kept the baby in hospital for treatment and we’re not allowed to visit at the moment. We are all absolutely distraught.”
Investigators believe the disease originated in the air conditioning system, which has since been closed down.
There is a large possibility of further cases as the incubation period of the disease is 2-10 days, although it is not contagious so there is no possibility of infected patients infecting others.
The hospital has set up a hotline: 01326 400 400
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