LIVERPOOL’S main hospital is investigating the death of an elderly patient after she contracted salmonella.

The 70-year-old died after being discharged from the Royal Liverpool.

The trust has confirmed that salmonella infection was a contributory factor in her death and are investigating the source of the infection.

The focus is on trying to identify what food the patient consumed while in hospital and where that food was sourced from.

Since the salmonella infection was reported, environmental health officers have carried out an unannounced inspection of the hospital’s kitchens and have found no issues of concern.

No untoward practices or potential sources of contamination were identified.

The patient, who has not been named, caught a new strain of the illness called Salmonella Agona, which is rare and can cause severe stomach upsets requiring hospital treatment.

The Food Standards Agency and the Health Protection Agency are investigating a current outbreak of the strain. Nationwide there have been 94 confirmed and 11 probable cases and it is believed the inquiry is focusing on meat and poultry products.

However, the FSA in Ireland says it is examining ready-to-eat sandwiches.

Diane Wake, director of nursing and infection prevention and control at The Royal Liverpool, said: “This is understandably a very sad time for the patient’s family and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to them.

“Salmonella is a self-limiting illness. Patients normally recover fully in three to seven days.

“It would be very rare for someone who did not have other underlying medical conditions to die from a salmonella infection.”

A spokesman added: “The trust has robust standards and procedures in place to ensure any food prepared on its premises is prepared safely and stored appropriately, in line with national food hygiene standards.”