Hodge Jones & Allen

Major E Coli 0157 outbreak in Surrey in 2009 is reviewed today

 

15th June 2010

 

The Report of the Investigation Committee Chaired by Professor George Griffin into the outbreak of E Coli 0157 at Godstone Farm in Surrey has been published today, 15^th June 2010.

 

This review was commissioned by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to look at the factors which contributed to the cause of the outbreak and to review its subsequent handling by the HPA.

 

This was the largest outbreak of E Coli 0157 linked to a farm open to visitors in the UK. 93 people were infected and 78 of those were admitted to hospital including 17 children with kidney failure. 8 children required dialysis, some with lasting kidney damage

 

The report confirms the source of the outbreak was the main animal petting barn at Godstone Farm. Evidence of wider contamination at the farm was also found suggesting that even without direct animal contact there was a risk of infection from contact with railings or soiled footwear.

 

The report consists of 250 pages and contains serious criticisms of health and safety at Godstone Farm.

 

Peter Todd, a solicitor and partner in the firm of Hodge Jones & Allen LLP, acting for some of the E Coli victims of the incident, commented on the report as follows:-

 

“The insurers of Godstone Farm have not formally responded to the claim I have notified them of. This is very disappointing, and I hope in the light of the serious criticisms contained in the report they will now accept that the farm failed in their duty of care towards visitors, and offer appropriate compensation.”

 

The Griffin report is available at http://www.griffininvestigation.org.uk/report/full_report.pdf