2 babies killed by ultra-rare infection
THE deadly infection which killed two premature babies in Scotland had only ever been seen in China and Germany before.
The ultra-rare strain of Staphylococcus aureus affected infants at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow and was described as “very challenging” by NHS chiefs.
Health bosses vowed to continue screening for the infection, which is spread by body contact.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said two premature babies died following the infection and another became ill.
A fourth baby was treated for the infection, and another four infants had the bacteria on their skin but did not need treatment. Charity Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) attended a meeting with the health board at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
SANDS campaigner Jean Anne Mitchell said: “I’m absolutely shocked and horrified to find that babies in our neonatal units are dying of Staphylococcus, which is a bloodstream infection caused by body contact.
“When you have more than one baby that has died... one baby is one baby too much. There must be an audit trail of staff who dealt with these babies.
“Staff are going from unit to unit to cover gaps. We must get answers and we must be accountable.
Dr Jennifer Armstrong, medical director of NHSGGC, said: “We are still screening babies and we will continue to do so until we are absolutely certain the infection is out of our hospitals.”