25 Jan 2012
Pseudomonas bacteria which killed three babies in a Belfast hospital has been traced to taps in the neo-natal unit, it has been revealed.
Experts trying to eradicate all traces of the potentially deadly bacteria have ensured all taps and connected pipework have been removed in the room at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital.
Edwin Poots, Northern Ireland’s health minister, told the Stormont Assembly: “There is no evidence of pseudomonas in the water system. This indicates that it is likely to be a localised problem.”
One baby continues to be treated. It has not been confirmed whether the infant has contracted the potentially lethal infection.
Mr Poots said special ultra violet technology may be installed in the region’s hospitals in a bid to prevent further outbreaks.
An outbreak of a different strain of pseudomonas in Londonderry’s Altnagelvin hospital last month, which killed one baby, was linked to the water system in its neo-natal facilities.
Copyright Press Association 2012