Legionnaire's disease: Public Assistance-Paris Hospitals Indicted
In July 2000, the Georges Pompidou European Hospital was inaugurated with great pomp in Paris. It is then presented as the hospital center of 21e century. But soon, the hospital, however brand new, is the subject of sharp criticism and dysfunctions begin to explode here and there. Thus, as early as November, cases of legionellosis are detected. After measures have been taken to eradicate the bacterium responsible for disease, experts believe that the risk is "mastered. However, the epidemic of legionellosis resumed with a dozen victims including five deaths between 2000 and 2001.
Yet all these cases could have been avoided. During the construction of the HEGP, the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris chose galvanized steel pipes for its hot water pipes, contrary to the opinion of specialized companies because of the risk of erosion of the latter. Despite a series of anomalies, the hospital opens its doors to patients in July.
Nine years after the epidemic of legionellosis that hit the Georges Pompidou European Hospital, the AP-HP is being prosecuted for involuntary homicides. An investigation was opened after the family's complaint of one of the deceased victims of Legionnaires' disease. The investigating judge Marie-Odile Bertella-Geffroy responsible for the case yesterday withdrew the charges of manslaughter, misdemeanor and deliberately endangering the lives of others against the Public Assistance-Hospitals of Paris.
Yet all these cases could have been avoided. During the construction of the HEGP, the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris chose galvanized steel pipes for its hot water pipes, contrary to the opinion of specialized companies because of the risk of erosion of the latter. Despite a series of anomalies, the hospital opens its doors to patients in July.
Nine years after the epidemic of legionellosis that hit the Georges Pompidou European Hospital, the AP-HP is being prosecuted for involuntary homicides. An investigation was opened after the family's complaint of one of the deceased victims of Legionnaires' disease. The investigating judge Marie-Odile Bertella-Geffroy responsible for the case yesterday withdrew the charges of manslaughter, misdemeanor and deliberately endangering the lives of others against the Public Assistance-Hospitals of Paris.
