Infections at London hospital neonatal unit

01 Sep 2010

Four premature babies have been infected with a superbug at a London hospital.

The babies were infected with “gram negative” bacteria at the neonatal unit of University College Hospital. The bacteria are resistant to many common antibiotics.

One baby died due to the infection while another two died of other causes. The fourth baby has recovered.

In a six week period 15 babies were found to be carrying bacteria. 13 of these babies were carrying bacteria which is resistant to gentamicin, an antibiotic used in the treatment of premature babies.

The infections prompted the hospital to order a deep clean of the unit and change the antibiotics being used.

No further infections have been reported since the deep clean and the hospital is working with the Health Protection Agency to monitor the situation.

Anita Jewitt, a medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell said: “Infection is an increasing concern for our clients, and as this story demonstrates, can have devastating consequences. We are pleased to learn that a deep clean of the unit was ordered following the sad death of a baby.”

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