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Medway Council's report into Splashes pool bug outbreak 'delayed until January'

A report into the sickness bug outbreak linked to Splashes swimming pool will not be published until January.

Medway Labour group has said it is “disappointed and concerned” by Medway Council’s decision to delay publishing the report by seven weeks.

Cllr Andy Stamp, Labour’s communities spokesman, originally requested a report be provided at the next overview and scrutiny meeting on December 8. However, the report will not be discussed until January 17.

Splashes pool in Rainham
Splashes pool in Rainham

Up to 120 people, mostly young children were hit by the sickness outbreak following a visit to the pool in Rainham on October 28, when it hosted a Halloween party. Some were so unwell, they needed hospital treatment.

The council, along with Public Health England, has been investigating. Medway Council has told opposition councillors they are unwilling to make any comment until Public Health England has finished its investigations, which will not be concluded until mid-December at the earliest.

Cllr Stamp said: “It is very frustrating that Medway Council are delaying providing the public with the answers they deserve. Many of the questions I requested answers to relate to the council’s internal day-to-day management of the pool in terms of staffing, resources and cleaning.

Samantha Kemsley's one year old daughter had to be admitted to Medway hospital after going to Splashes
Samantha Kemsley's one year old daughter had to be admitted to Medway hospital after going to Splashes

"I have also asked for a factual account of what happened at Splashes in the run-up to, during and immediately after the Halloween event and subsequent norovirus outbreak. None of the answers to these questions are dependent on the outcome of the Public Health England investigation.

“So I am concerned that Medway Council is not being as open and up-front with the public as it should be.

"If the Council are confident that they are not at fault, then I see no reason to delay publishing their own report, independently of Public Health England.

Cllr Andy Stamp
Cllr Andy Stamp

Questions have been raised about the cleanliness of the centre in Bloors Lane, with reports on social media that a visitor was sick in the pool and it was not cleared up properly.

It has also been claimed that the level of chlorine could have been reduced to put red dye in the water for the Halloween party, which may be why the bug spread so quickly and to so many.

Cllr Stamp added: "Public confidence in the hygiene and safety of Medway Council’s leisure facilities is vital, and I want to ensure that budget cuts are not having a detrimental impact on the quality of service that local residents are receiving.”

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