Public Health Agency Pseudomonas statement – Friday 27th January 2012

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (27th January) are as follows:

Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM).

Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: seven (in RJM and Antrim).

Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: six (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).

The PHA continues to work closely with the Belfast Trust on its outbreak investigation as well as providing infection prevention advice.

The PHA has also advised that any neonatal unit that has received babies nursed in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Services (RMJ) or Altnagelvin neonatal units since, and including, 14th November 2011, is to screen all other infants for pseudomonas who, as of 24 January 2012, remained in their neonatal unit.

Some units have already completed this step or are part of the way through the process. It is anticipated that the results of the screening will be available by the end of next week.

Screening of infants who were in units during the relevant time period and who have already gone home is not necessary as their risk from developing infection is extremely small.

The Public Health Agency has also published a leaflet on Preventing infections caused by Pseudomonas - Parent/Carer Information , a leaflet on Screening patients for Pseudomonas - Parent/Carer Information  and a Pseudomonas Fact Sheet.

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

Colonisation means that pseudomonas has been found on the babies’ skin or secretions and confirmed by a lab.

Once a baby has been reported as colonised, it retains this status until it is discharged from hospital.

The PHA will issue a further update on figures on Monday.