Dr Chris Elliot was infected by pseudomonas bacteria while showering at Cheltenham General Hospital during cancer treatment between 9 August 2022 and 18 August 2022. Dr Elliot sadly died with the infection on 23 August 2022.

Dr Elliot's infection was genetically matched to a sample taken from the shower head in the ensuite bathroom of his ward. An earlier sample taken from the shower head had already tested positive for pseudomonas aeruginosa - on 1 August 2022 - but no action had been taken and the ensuite bathroom remained in use. 

Catherine Campbell, deputy director of hospitals, secondary and specialist care in the South West at the CQC, which brought the prosecution, said: ‘Had Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ensured there were effective systems in place to manage water safety at the hospital, he would not have been placed in a room with a shower head that had tested positive for pseudomonas aeruginosa.'

Kevin McNamara, chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We extend our sincere condolences Dr Elliot's family - we are deeply sorry for their loss and for the precious time with him that they were denied at such an important moment.

‘The trust entered an early guilty plea and accepted full responsibility for the failings identified, which meant water test results were not shared by our contractor in a timely manner. This would have allowed swift action to be taken by the trust to restrict access to the room where care was being provided.

‘We co-operated fully with the Care Quality Commission throughout its investigation. We had already conducted our own detailed investigation following the incident and shared the findings with the family, regulators and partners.

‘We remain committed to being open about what happened and to ensuring that the improvements we have put in place continue to keep our patients safe.'