Public Health Agency Pseudomonas update - Monday 30 January

In the context of the current Pseudomonas incident, the Public Health Agency (PHA) continues to work closely with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Health and Social Care Trusts to support the investigation and provide advice on control measures. In particular, the PHA has played a key role in the provision of additional guidance on actions to be taken in neonatal units.

Dr Philip Donaghy, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA, said: "The PHA is supporting the HSC Trusts by providing practical guidance on infection prevention and control to help them to minimise the risk of Pseudomonas.

“As a further precautionary measure, there is now an ongoing programme of water testing and replacement of taps in neonatal intensive care units in all trusts in Northern Ireland. Babies are not coming into contact with the water and very strict infection control measures are in place in all neonatal units.

“I would also like to emphasise that effective infection control for all staff and visitors to neonatal units is vital. It is also important that the public continues to follow good hygiene practice when visiting hospitals. In particular, parents of babies in neonatal units must wash and dry their hands thoroughly and use an alcohol rub before they touch the baby or babies’ equipment.

“A leaflet for parents and other useful information is available on the PHA website.”