23 Jan 2012
The Belfast hospital where three babies died has now been deep cleaned and no new cases of the pseudomonas infection have been discovered.
However, the parents of 24 children who were being treated in the neonatal unit are still waiting for test results, and a helpline set up for expectant mothers worried about giving birth at the unit was extended.
Five babies were found to have the bacteria on their skin but it is not causing active infection, said Northern Ireland’s Department of Health.
Three babies died at Belfast’s Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital and three more contracted pseudomonas, which affects the chest, blood and urinary tract.
The department said some mothers near giving birth or babies who require special neonatal care may be transferred to another unit “as would be normal practice” on grounds of specialist clinical advice to make sure of the most appropriate care.
Copyright Press Association 2012