THE HEALTH Service Executive has threatened disciplinary action against healthcare workers who fail to comply with strict hygiene controls at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick, where efforts to contain a potentially lethal superbug are continuing.
It is the first outbreak of klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) in an Irish hospital. Seven patients at the hospital have been affected to date by the superbug, which is highly drug-resistant.
In a statement issued yesterday, the HSE said five inpatients were currently affected by the superbug: two infected and three colonised (ie the bug is living on the patient but without effects).
The spokesman described the condition of one patient as “seriously ill” but said this was as a consequence of an underlying condition and not as a result of the bug, which can cause pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
The main concern in relation to KPC is that it is multi-drug resistant and resistant to a range of antibiotics, including penicillin and carbapenem antibiotics.
An outbreak in Brazil last October is believed to have contributed to the deaths of more than 20 people.
According to the HSE, a deep-cleaning operation has been completed at all affected wards in the Limerick hospital at Dooradoyle.
The HSE spokesman said steps had been taken to improve hand hygiene standards among hospital staff but warned that a zero-tolerance approach was being enforced in respect of anyone who failed to comply with these standards.
“This will include disciplinary action and or notification to relevant professional registration bodies if warranted in any particular case,” said the spokesman.
It is understood no disciplinary action has been taken against any healthcare worker at the hospital.
The spokesman said members of the public were co-operating with visiting restrictions, which were expected to continue for the next few weeks.
People have been asked not to visit the hospital unless it is essential. Visiting has been restricted, with only critically ill patients allowed visitors.
The elderly, children, pregnant women, young adults, those with chronic illnesses and vulnerable others are advised not to visit.
Attendance at the AE department should take place only if absolutely necessary, said the hospital. Outpatients, day-care services and routine admissions are not affected by the restrictions.