Menu
05/06/2014
Newborn Dies From Blood Poisoned At Hospital
A newborn has died at St Thomas Hospital in central London while being treated in intensive care.
It is believed that the became infected by a suspected contaminated drip.
Public Health England (PHE) is examining 14 other cases of septicaemia in six hospitals across England.
The PHE said babies at six hospitals developed septicaemia from the Bacillus cereus bacterium, two of them in the same neonatal unit of the hospital where the baby died on the 01 June.
A St Thomas' Hospital spokeswoman said: "All babies on the unit are being screened for the bacterium as a precaution and enhanced infection control measures have been put in place to prevent any further cases.”
PHE said the cases are located in the neonatal intensive care units of Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust with four cases, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust with three cases, CUH Addenbrookes and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital with two cases each and another case in the Whittington Hospital.
It is thought that the infection are linked to a batch of a liquid called parenteral nutrition, which was fed to the babies through intravenous drips.
PHE incident director Professor Mike Catchpole said: "We have acted quickly to investigate this issue alongside the MHRA -Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency- and we have taken action to ensure that the affected batches and any remaining stock of this medicine is not being used in hospitals."
A Class 1 Drug Alert, the most critical warning which requires immediate recall, has been issued by the MHRA, although that the Dr Martin Ward Platt, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said the blood poisoning caused by the bacteria is extremely rare.
London-based ITH Pharma Limited, which made the batch in question, had already issued a recall notice and is co-operating with the inquiry by the health officials.
(CVS)
It is believed that the became infected by a suspected contaminated drip.
Public Health England (PHE) is examining 14 other cases of septicaemia in six hospitals across England.
The PHE said babies at six hospitals developed septicaemia from the Bacillus cereus bacterium, two of them in the same neonatal unit of the hospital where the baby died on the 01 June.
A St Thomas' Hospital spokeswoman said: "All babies on the unit are being screened for the bacterium as a precaution and enhanced infection control measures have been put in place to prevent any further cases.”
PHE said the cases are located in the neonatal intensive care units of Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust with four cases, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust with three cases, CUH Addenbrookes and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital with two cases each and another case in the Whittington Hospital.
It is thought that the infection are linked to a batch of a liquid called parenteral nutrition, which was fed to the babies through intravenous drips.
PHE incident director Professor Mike Catchpole said: "We have acted quickly to investigate this issue alongside the MHRA -Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency- and we have taken action to ensure that the affected batches and any remaining stock of this medicine is not being used in hospitals."
A Class 1 Drug Alert, the most critical warning which requires immediate recall, has been issued by the MHRA, although that the Dr Martin Ward Platt, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said the blood poisoning caused by the bacteria is extremely rare.
London-based ITH Pharma Limited, which made the batch in question, had already issued a recall notice and is co-operating with the inquiry by the health officials.
(CVS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2004
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
18 December 2003
Cot death expert to face professional conduct inquiry
The expert witness at the centre of a number of high-profile cases brought against women charged with killing their infants is to face a professional conduct inquiry.
Cot death expert to face professional conduct inquiry
The expert witness at the centre of a number of high-profile cases brought against women charged with killing their infants is to face a professional conduct inquiry.
01 February 2013
January Sees Further Fall In Whooping Cough Cases
Health Protection Agency figures for England and Wales show that whooping cough cases have slowed over the last two months. It follows the largest outbreak for 20 years. In December 832 cases were recorded, almost half the total from October. During the outbreak 14 babies died, the last death coming in December.
January Sees Further Fall In Whooping Cough Cases
Health Protection Agency figures for England and Wales show that whooping cough cases have slowed over the last two months. It follows the largest outbreak for 20 years. In December 832 cases were recorded, almost half the total from October. During the outbreak 14 babies died, the last death coming in December.
05 January 2015
Babies To Be Tested For Rare Conditions
All babies born in England from today, 5 January, will be offered screening for more rare conditions, according to Public Health England (PHE). The screening is to prevent premature disability and death.
Babies To Be Tested For Rare Conditions
All babies born in England from today, 5 January, will be offered screening for more rare conditions, according to Public Health England (PHE). The screening is to prevent premature disability and death.
16 August 2010
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
