24/11/2014

Rare Infection Outbreak Confirmed At RVH

The Royal Victoria Hospital is urging anyone visiting the hospital to be "diligent" about hand washing following the outbreak of a rare infection at its intensive care unit.

The hospital confirmed the outbreak of Multi-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria (MRAB), which is found on the skin and in the environment. It is said to be usually harmless but can cause infection in patients.

It is understood the infection is hard to treat.

The hospital said it is currently undergoing a "deep clean process" and that "all infection control procedures are being regularly monitored".

A statement from the hospital added: "The Trust would like to assure the public that robust infection prevention and control measures are in place and we are working closely with the Public Health Agency and all other Trusts to control the spread of this organism."

(MH/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 June 2007
Tuberculosis alert in Coleraine hospital
A Coleraine Hospital is on tuberculosis alert today after a member of staff contracted a rare form of the respiratory disease. The employee from the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, contracted a multi-drug resistant form of TB. However, they are thought to be in a stable condition.
04 November 2021
New £115million Acute Services Block Opens At Ulster Hospital
The first phase of the new £115million Acute Services Block (ASB) at Ulster Hospital in Dundonald has been officially opened by Health Minister Robin Swann. Following a tour of the new facilities Minister Swann said: "Today marks another major achievement for the hospital and the South Eastern Trust.
22 April 2005
Dutch MRSA expert to address Queen’s conference
A leading Dutch infection control expert will visit Queen's University next week to discuss MRSA prevention. Dr Margreet Vos, who is head of the infection control department in Rotterdam's Erasmus University Medical Centre, will discuss various strategies used in the Netherlands to prevent the hospital acquired infection.
17 July 2015
Patients And Staff Tested For Bacterial Infection at Altnagelvin Hospital
A number of staff members and patients at Altnagelvin Hospital in L'Derry are being tested and treated for the bacterial infection Streptococcus Group A. A spokesperson for the Western Trust, said: "Commonly the Streptococcus Group A symptoms are sore throats and minor skin conditions.
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.