PATIENTS, visitors and staff were today being reassured following the revelation that two cases of Legionnaires disease were contracted at Basildon Hospital.

Although the cases were contracted seven months ago, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is still investigating failings in the management of the risks of exposure to legionella bacteria from the hospitals hot and cold water services.

An improvement notice to solve the problem was issued to the Basildon and Thurrock General Hospitals Trust in November and at least two others relating to separate issues were served after an inspection in January.

For full story see Monday's Echo.