A maternity unit in Darlington Hospital has been closed due to elevated levels of Legionella detected in water samples. Whilst no patients have been found to have infections linked to Legionella, heath chiefs are continuing to monitor the situation and manage it in line with national guidance. 
 
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As part of routine and regular testing of our water supply, elevated levels of Legionella have been detected in water samples from several areas across the Darlington Memorial Hospital site. 
 
"No infections linked to legionella have been identified either in current or recently discharged patients and we are continuing to closely monitor and assess the situation. 
 
"We have put in place a series or proportionate mitigating actions to minimise the risk. These include filters connected to all cold-water taps - maintaining our drinking water supply, and to showers." 
These new measures means that there is not enough water pressure in the maternity unit, leaving women unable to use the birthing pool and having to shower on alternative wards until new equipment arrives over the next few weeks. 
 
A spokesperson for the trust added: "Our maternity unit is at the top of our hospital tower block resulting in reduced water pressure in the showers although baths across the hospital remain in use." 
 
"Delivery of equipment to improve water pressure is expected within weeks, meanwhile, women are able to shower on alternative wards. The birthing pool at Darlington Memorial Hospital is not currently being used. 
 
"We apologise for this inconvenience and as part of ante-natal arrangements women wishing to use a birthing pool, are being offered the option of going to our Durham hospital - University Hospital of North Durham.” 
 
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