Mexborough Montagu Hospital ditches food supplier over listeria fears

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals said this week that they were made aware of the outbreak in late May and immediately removed the products from its hospitals — including Mexborough Montagu Hospital (above).

Across England, nine patients have been affected and five have died after the outbreak of listeria linked to pre-packed patient hospital food from The Good Food Chain.

DBTH Trust was one of 43 NHS trusts which was supplied salads and/or sandwiches from the firm — which has since ceased trading since a multi-agency investigation was launched.

A spokesman from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals said no patients had been affected and the sandwiches in question had been withdrawn in late May.

He added: “Public Health England advised the trust of this issue in late May and we immediately removed the products from our hospitals. 

“Our infection prevention and control team were immediately notified, and have worked with our laboratory teams to provide an enhanced level of awareness and vigilance.

“We continue to work closely with our partners regarding this matter and, as of the end of May, an alternative supplier is providing patient sandwiches.”

Public Health England said the health risk to the public remained low and individuals should only seek medical attention if they developed symptoms.

Listeria is a bacterium which can cause a type of food poisoning called listeriosis. 

It usually goes unnoticed or there are mild symptoms of gastroenteritis that usually last a short time without the need for treatment.

Occasionally, a more serious infection develops and spreads to the bloodstream or brain. 

This can happen in people who have serious underlying health conditions and can also occur in pregnant women. 

The five people that died were patients from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

The Good Food Chain has voluntarily ceased production while the investigation continues. 

This business had been supplied with meat produced by North Country Cooked Meats which subsequently produced a positive test result for the outbreak strain of listeria. 

This business and North Country Quality Foods who they distribute through, have also voluntarily ceased production.

Severe listeriosis is more likely to affect the elderly, very young babies, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system. 

People in these groups should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of infection.