RESULTS ARE due to be released today of tests for further cases of infection of a bacteria that has led to the deaths of three babies at a maternity unit in Northern Ireland.
The neonatal ward at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast underwent a deep clean over the weekend following the deaths over the past two weeks from the infection of pseudomonas, the latest of which came on Thursday.
On Saturday, Northern Health Minister Edwin Poots said there had been six confirmed cases at the unit so far instead of the previously stated seven and no new ones since the latest death. All 24 babies in the unit have been tested to see if they have the infection.
A different and possibly unrelated strain of the infection is believed to have been the cause of the death of another baby in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry in December.
Mr Poots said there was no further need to transfer expectant mothers outside Northern Ireland. Two women have been moved to Dublin since the outbreak was discovered to deliver premature babies. The Minister said the neonatal network in Northern Ireland was “managing well” despite the extra pressure on the system.
“The health service is continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that safe, specialist neonatal care remains available for all babies. Standard infection controls are in place in neonatal units.
“With the help of all neonatal units in Northern Ireland our service is coping. I fully understand the anxiety of parents and the wider community. However, we are doing everything we can to ensure safe continuity of care for the babies and support for their families.
“Ensuring we eradicate the source of infection and are able to fully reopen the neonatal unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital as quickly as possible remains a key priority.” Pseudomonas, which affect the blood and urinary tract, live in water or moisture and can be carried on skin.