Health fears over dirty water force closure of Falkirk child care hubs

It is believed around 500 youngsters have used this form of childcare provision over the last 14 days.

In a letter to parents of children affected sent out earlier today, NHS Forth Valley public health consultant Doctor Henry Prempeh stated immediate action should be taken if youngsters who have attended at the childcare hubs start to become unwell.

He said: “Although the likelihood of your child becoming unwell is very low, as a precaution, if they develop any of these symptoms – cough and fever as well as headache, muscle pains, pain in the eyes or ears, diarrhoea within 14 days of their last attendance at a childcare hub, please contact your GP to arrange a check up and take this letter with you.”

Dr Prempeh added assessments of water quality at some schools indicated elevated levels of bacteria, including legionella and pseudomonas, which can build up in water supplies during periods of low usage.

He said: “You are receiving this letter as your child or children has or have been identified by Falkirk Council as being among 500 children that have used their critical child care provision within early years and primary school establishment recently.

“Water systems in public buildings like schools are routinely managed by Falkirk Council in accordance with relevant guidelines. Where any elevated levels of bacteria are detected, these can be eliminated by flushing and treating which is being arranged where required.

“NHS Forth Valley’s health protection team has reviewed the water sample test results and can reassure you that the risk of anyone becoming unwell is very low. As a precautionary measure Falkirk Council has temporarily closed all early learning and additional support needs child care hubs with the exception of provision at Kinnaird Thistle Wing which will be relocated to the Annexe at Larbert High School which will also remain open.

“Primary school hubs have been relocated to secondary schools, none of which are affected.”

According to the local authority’s website, the council carried out a number of safety checks at schools prior to the return of children and staff in August.

The schools currently confirmed as affected by the bacteria are Bantaskin Primary School, Camelon Nursery, Carrongrange High School, Deanburn Primary School, Larbert ELCC, Maddiston Primary School and St Patrick’s Primary School, with results awaited for the remainder.

Further information will be made available to parents as necessary.

The site stated: “As a precaution the council has temporarily closed all early learning and childcare centres and primary schools, other than for essential access including testing and distribution of food.

“Childcare hubs have been relocated to secondary schools while appropriate treatment and repeat sampling is carried out. This will give us an opportunity to treat the local water supply and take advice from public health colleagues on the remedial actions that may be required.

“Secondary schools have been tested and confirmed as clear.”

Visit www.falkirk.gov.uk for more information.