Pseudomonas update Sunday 22 January

Futher tests for Pseudomonas have not shown any new cases of infection in the outbreak at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, and the total remains at six.

 The neonatal network is currently managing well. Some mothers due to give birth or babies who require special neonatal care, may be transferred to another unit, as would be normal practice. This will be on the basis of specialist, clinical advice to ensure babies receive the most appropriate care.

All the babies remaining in the unit have now been screened. Parents have now been informed of the result for their babies. At this stage, five babies who have the Pseudomonas bacteria on their skin have been identified, this is not causing active infection. The babies continue to receive the neonatal care they require. As a precautionary measure, babies' skin may be screened again as the situation requires to see if they are carrying the bacteria. All necessary precautions are being taken to avoid spread of infection.

Bio-decontamination of the intensive care part of the neo-natal unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital is now complete. The affected area in the unit at the hospital will remain closed while a team of specialists continues attempts to identify the most likely sources of the infection.

 All other maternity services and wards in the Royal Jubilee Hosptial are fully operational and working as normal. Expectant mothers should attend their appointments as scheduled.

 The Trust, PHA and the Department will continue to monitor the situation.