Pennock Hospital

Spectrum Health Pennock Water Testing Complete

Results show water is clean and safe

Grand Rapids, Mich., March 7, 2019 – Spectrum Health Pennock today announced that continued water testing shows zero evidence of Legionella bacteria in the hospital’s water.

“The health and safety of our patients, community and employees is of utmost importance to us,” said Angie Ditmar, president, Spectrum Health Pennock. “We acted quickly when we learned of the problem, and we are committed to making sure the water remains safe and clean.”

Results of water testing received on Dec. 26, 2018, showed that water samples taken from the hospital tested positive for Legionella bacteria. While the risk of getting pneumonia from exposure to this bacteria is generally low, hospitalized people can be at greater risk due to their pre-existing health conditions. Therefore, hospital officials addressed this risk in the short-term by installing filters on faucets and showers, followed by installing a water treatment system for long-term control.

Hospital officials continued to monitor the water by submitting water samples to Special Pathogens Laboratory, a lab specializing in testing for Legionella bacteria. All tests have confirmed that water samples taken after these prevention measures tested negative for Legionella bacteria.

 

###

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Ellen Bristol
External Affairs Manager
Office: 616.391.4399
Mobile: 616.581.6474
Email: ellen.bristol@corewellhealth.org