Menu
25/01/2012
Hospitals To Screen For Killer Infection
Neo-natal units that received babies from two hospitals since December are set to screen for the infection that has recently killed four infants.
The outbreak of a dangerous bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa has been linked to the deaths of the four babies. The first baby died from the infection in December while another died on January 6, 2012, with the third death coming a week later. Meanwhile the fourth death was confirmed only last Friday.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) said it was possible that more babies could be found to have the infection and have urged the Royal Maternity Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital to screen babies for the infection.
Yesterday the killer infection was traced to taps in The Royal Maternity Hospital, where three of the babies died. Another died in Altnagelvin in December.
NI Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "I can report that investigations so far have shown that pseudomonas bacteria have been found in a number of taps in the intensive care area of the neonatal unit in the RJMH. The Trust Health Estates team are in the process of removing and replacing all taps and related pipework in the affected area. There is no evidence of pseudomonas in the water system. This indicates that it is likely to be a localised problem."
It is understood the bacteria can cause infections in the chest, blood, and urine. This is not a common infection but it can be treated with the right antibiotics.
(LB)
The outbreak of a dangerous bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa has been linked to the deaths of the four babies. The first baby died from the infection in December while another died on January 6, 2012, with the third death coming a week later. Meanwhile the fourth death was confirmed only last Friday.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) said it was possible that more babies could be found to have the infection and have urged the Royal Maternity Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital to screen babies for the infection.
Yesterday the killer infection was traced to taps in The Royal Maternity Hospital, where three of the babies died. Another died in Altnagelvin in December.
NI Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "I can report that investigations so far have shown that pseudomonas bacteria have been found in a number of taps in the intensive care area of the neonatal unit in the RJMH. The Trust Health Estates team are in the process of removing and replacing all taps and related pipework in the affected area. There is no evidence of pseudomonas in the water system. This indicates that it is likely to be a localised problem."
It is understood the bacteria can cause infections in the chest, blood, and urine. This is not a common infection but it can be treated with the right antibiotics.
(LB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2012
Taps Linked To Maternity Hospital Infection
A killer infection which killed three babies at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital has been traced to taps, according to NI Health Minister. All the taps and connected pipe work in the room are to be removed as experts try to eradicate all traces of the pseudomonas bacteria according to Mr Edwin Poots.
Taps Linked To Maternity Hospital Infection
A killer infection which killed three babies at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital has been traced to taps, according to NI Health Minister. All the taps and connected pipe work in the room are to be removed as experts try to eradicate all traces of the pseudomonas bacteria according to Mr Edwin Poots.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
05 October 2004
MRSA superbug on the increase in the province
Incidents involving the MRSA superbug are on the increase in Northern Ireland, according to the findings of two reports published into the rates of infection in the province’s hospitals.
MRSA superbug on the increase in the province
Incidents involving the MRSA superbug are on the increase in Northern Ireland, according to the findings of two reports published into the rates of infection in the province’s hospitals.
09 January 2023
Covid-19 Infections Spike Recorded Over Holidays
As of January 5, 2023, there were 374 in-patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Northern Ireland's hospitals, compared to 226 on December 5, 2022. Releasing the latest Covid-19 figures, the Department of Health has said that the pandemic "continues to cast a long shadow over our health service and wider society".
Covid-19 Infections Spike Recorded Over Holidays
As of January 5, 2023, there were 374 in-patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Northern Ireland's hospitals, compared to 226 on December 5, 2022. Releasing the latest Covid-19 figures, the Department of Health has said that the pandemic "continues to cast a long shadow over our health service and wider society".
09 February 2012
Pseudomonas Found In More Hospitals
Bacteria, which claimed the lives of four babies, has been detected in more hospitals in NI. The so called, Pseudomonas, has been found in water tests from Daisy Hill in Newry, Craigavon Area Hospital and the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen.
Pseudomonas Found In More Hospitals
Bacteria, which claimed the lives of four babies, has been detected in more hospitals in NI. The so called, Pseudomonas, has been found in water tests from Daisy Hill in Newry, Craigavon Area Hospital and the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
