Bacteria which can cause Legionnaire's disease have been found in a water system at a Sussex psychiatric clinic.

The bug, Legionella pneumophila, can lead to potentially-fatal respiratory infections.

It was found during routine testing of the water system at the Villa block, in the grounds of the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.

No cases of Legionnaire's disease have been reported among patients or staff at the Villa, but as a precaution Mid Sussex NHS Trust has transferred 36 patients to other mental health care facilities and hospital staff are monitoring the situation.

It is thought to be the first time the bacterium has been discovered at the Princess Royal, which was recently awarded two stars under the Government's ratings system.

Consultant microbiologist Paul Donaldson said: "I am pleased we identified the potential problem before any patients or staff became ill.

"The trust is keeping patients, their relatives and staff fully informed. There is no need for the general public who have visited the trust in recent weeks to be concerned."

Legionella pneumophila, which causes respiratory infections ranging from mild to severe and occasionally life-threatening, was confined to the hot water system inside the Villa block Anyone worried about Legionnella should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.