ONE of the first victims of the Legionnaires' outbreak in Hereford would probably still be alive today had she not contracted the disease, an inquest heard.

Former nurse Lynne Davies, aged 56, was a regular visitor to her mother's home in Ryelands Street, Hereford - close to the alleged source - and was staying there at the time of the epidemic.

Miss Davies, who was blighted by ill health in her later years, was admitted to Hereford's County Hospital on October 31 last year after she complained of a cough and fever.

Dr John Hutchinson, a consultant in the critical care unit, told the Hereford inquest Miss Davies came into his care after her condition deteriorated and she was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease on November 5.

Miss Davies appeared to be recovering and responded to medication, but things took a turn for the worse on November 21 when she developed abdominal pain.

Surgery was ruled out because of her critical state. Her condition, including kidney failure worsened, and she died on December 1.

"Although she was admitted with Legionnaires' disease it was felt that her condition could have been treated but her long-standing conditions contributed to her death," said Dr Hutchinson.

The inquest heard that Miss Davies had been suffering for some years with various chronic conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid problems.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, county corner David Halpern said Miss Davies died of bronchial pneumonia and other respiratory and renal complications.

The coroner said he was told Legionnaires' disease was not normally a fatal disease but he believed had she not contracted the illness she may well have been here today.

"I am told it is not generally a fatal illness. It was thought her treatment overcame the Legionnaires' disease but we have heard she had a number of health problems which I think ultimately proved quite difficult for her," said Mr Halpern.