Three Patients Have Died, While Another Three Are Still Unwell

Specialist Public Health lawyers at national law firm Irwin Mitchell have expressed their concern following an outbreak of the listeria bacteria in hospitals in Manchester and Liverpool.

It has been reported that a total of six inpatients with underlying health conditions fell ill with the bacterial infection after eating chicken sandwiches allegedly contaminated with listeria, and three of the victims have subsequently died.  Two passed away while under the care of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, while the other was a patient of Aintree University Hospital Foundation Trust in Liverpool.

Reportedly, the chicken sandwiches were supplied by the Good Food Chain, who told media that they ceased production voluntarily last week, as did North Country Cooked Meats, which sold the chicken used in the sandwiches, after tests found traces of listeria at its premises.  North Country Quality Foods, which distributes to North Country Cooked Meats, also voluntarily ceased production.

Investigations are continuing into the source of the contamination.

Expert Opinion

“It is deeply concerning to hear of the patients that have fallen ill with listeria while already in hospital.

Three of the victims are now recovering, but three sadly lost their lives, and the families will be looking for answers as to how their loved ones came into contact with the bacteria and if more could have been done to prevent it.

Through our work we regularly see people seriously affected by bacterial illnesses, and it can be much more dangerous for people with a suppressed immune system, as is evident on this occasion."
Amandeep Dhillon - Partner

The Public Health Team at Irwin Mitchell, has vast experience of recovering settlements for people affected by incidents of illness in the UK such as successfully representing almost 30 people who contracted salmonella from contaminated food from the Real China restaurant in Southampton, and successfully representing almost 300 diners who fell ill after visiting the Toby Carvery Exeter Arms in Exeter in 2015.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in public health cases