The local health department issued a clarification of last weeek's news release on Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital's water supply.  “The Barry-Eaton District Health Department has no reason to believe this situation is associated with the City of Hastings’ municipal water supply," the release said.

 

The City of Hastings supplies water to the facility through a system that allows water to go only one way; into the hospital, and doesn't impact the city's drinking water, city officials said.
“We test our water at several locations around the city every day, and it has always come up clear,” Mayor Dave Tossava said.  The testing has been standard practice for years, he said. “We also send detailed reports to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.”

 

Further, City Manager Jeff Mansfield said..." the city’s drinking water system is isolated from the water system at the hospital facility by devices that allow the water to travel only one-way - into the facility. This protects the City’s drinking water supply from any contaminants that could possibly originate at the hospital.  We will continue to work closely with Spectrum Health – Pennock and the Barry-Eaton District Health Department as they investigate this matter."

 

Recently, Legionella bacteria was found in Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital’s water distribution system in its plumbing system. Since September, two people were diagnosed with Legionaire's disease while in the hospital; one was treated and released, the other, a 92-year-old, was discharged to a rehab facility where he later died. Hospital officials said it was not possible to determine if he died from the disease.

 

Spectrum Health Pennock has established a hotline for patients or visitors concerned about Legionella. Call (844) 689-2875 or (616)391-9986.