Two babies have died after an outbreak of blood infection bacteria at neo-natal unit in Glasgow

Two babies have died and another is seriously ill after an outbreak of blood infection bacteria at neo-natal unit in Glasgow

  • Three cases of Staphylococcus aureus blood infection have been found in babies at Prince Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow
  • Two of the babies were extremely ill due to their very early birth and have passed away, with the infection one of a number of contributing causes in both deaths
  • The third premature baby who tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus required treatment for the bacterium

Two babies have died and another is seriously ill after an outbreak of a blood infection bacteria at a neo-natal unit in Glasgow.

An investigation has been launched after three cases of Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infection were found in the extremely premature babies in the neonatal unit at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital.

Two of the babies were extremely ill due to their very early birth and have passed away. The infection was one of a number of contributing causes in both deaths.

The third premature baby who tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus required treatment for the bacterium and is in a stable condition.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who is responsible for the hospital, was alerted to the infections on January 24.

An investigation has been launched after three cases of Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infection were found in the extremely premature babies in the neonatal unit at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital (pictured)

Dr Barbara Weinhardt, infection control doctor, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the families affected.

‘Results have today confirmed that the three cases of Staphylococcus aureus are linked and our investigations continue into how they are linked.

‘Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is found on the skin and in the nasal passage of around one in four people and only causes infection when it enters the body.

‘In cases where people are vulnerable to infection, it can cause serious infection.

‘We have taken a number of control measures in the unit, including a deep clean, isolation and barrier nursing, safety briefs to all staff and infection control advice to all visitors.’

The investigation will be led by an Incident Management Team (IMT) which is a group of medical professionals who look into the causes of investigations and ensure preventative measures are in place.

Dr Alan Mathers, Chief of Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Service, added: ‘The national guidance sets out that an investigation should be triggered when two or more cases of the same type of bacteria are found.

‘In this case, this was triggered on 24 th January and an Incident Management Team meeting (IMT) was convened.

‘The IMT began their investigations into possible linkages between the three cases and sent samples for testing.

‘Whilst these results were awaited, we spoke to the families affected, together with the parents on the unit and staff, to let them know of our investigations.

‘The results that have come back today have confirmed links between the three cases.

‘Our infection control team continues to work closely with clinical colleagues and domestic staff to manage the situation and take all necessary steps to maintain patient safety.’

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