Bug death probe shows link to top Scots hotel
ONE OF Scotland’s top hotels has been named as the possible source of a killer case of legionnaires’ disease.
Retired schoolteacher John Adrain died in hospital last month and health experts have now revealed he may have been exposed to the bacteria during a stay at the Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire.
Inspections of the four-star hotel’s water systems by health officials after the 63-year-old’s death found minute traces of the same strain of legionella in a shower head in the leisure complex.
Managers at the Hydro yesterday admitted the development was a cause for concern but insisted the hotel is now 100% safe.
The popular tourist and business destination has been given an all-clear by health officials since the “isolated incident” and water treatment procedures reviewed.
Stephen Leckie, managing director of Crieff Hydro, said the health and safety of hotel guests was his priority.
“We have expressed our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr Adrain’s family,” he said.
“The possibility of any link between Mr Adrain’s illness and his stay at the hotel is, of course, very concerning to us.
“The health and safety of our guests and staff is absolutely paramount to Crieff Hydro Hotel and we have always worked closely with Perth and Kinross Council’s environmental service to attain the highest possible levels of compliance and best practice.”
Mr Leckie insisted action was taken as soon as the potential connection with Mr Adrain’s death was revealed.
“Since the possible link was brought to our attention last month, we have liaised closely with Perth and Kinross Council’s environmental service to ensure that rigorous application of all water treatment procedures is in force,” he said.
“Environment services are satisfied with the steps we have taken to eliminate any possible risk to public health and we are continuing to work closely with them to ensure that all recommended guidelines are applied.
“To be clear, there is no risk whatsoever to the public and the hotel is 100% safe from legionnaires risk.”
NHS Ayrshire and Arran launched an investigation into the sudden death of Mr Adrain to establish how he contracted the infection.
A former deputy head teacher at Greenwood Aca-demy in Irvine, he died at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock on February 24.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacterium legionella pneumophila, which is spread by water vapour.
After it was discovered that Mr Adrain had stayed at Crieff Hydro Hotel during the first week of February, Perth and Kinross Council’s environmental service conducted “extensive tests” throughout the hotel’s water supplies.
There have been no further cases of the disease, which has an incubation period of two to ten days.
Dr Maida Smellie, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, revealed the possible link with Crieff Hydro was flagged up during “detailed investigations”.
“The bacteria which cause legionnaires’ disease are common in the environment but illness only occurs when water containing the bacteria becomes an aerosol,” she said.
“It is not passed from person to person.
“Our findings suggest a link to the Crieff Hydro Hotel. The hotel has been advised of the appropriate steps to take and is working closely with Perth and Kinross Council’s environment service and with NHS Tayside.
“Remedial action has been carried out where indicated.”
Dr Smellie confirmed that Mr Adrain’s infection was being treated as an isolated incident.
“There is no risk to public health,” she said.
“Following a thorough search no other cases of legionnaires’ disease associated with the hotel have been notified.”
Mr Adrain is survived by wife Morag and children Carolyn and Cameron.
His family has declined to comment.
Crieff Hydro has been operating for over 140 years and is renowned for its extensive leisure provision.
In September, it was named the VisitScotland tourism business of the year in the National Business Awards for Scotland.
Mr Adrain was well known in his hometown, both for his work as a teacher and as a member of numerous organisations, including Irvine Rotary and Irvine Burns Club.
Ref: The Courier
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