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22/03/2005
MRSA claims life of new-born baby
The MRSA 'superbug' claimed the life of a 36-hour-old baby, it has emerged today.
Luke Day, who is believed to be the youngest victim of the killer bug, was born in Ipswich Hospital on February 2. He weighed 7lbs, 7oz and appeared to be healthy.
However, he fell ill and died the next day – a post-mortem revealed that he had died of septicaemia caused by MRSA.
Luke's parents, Kevin Fenton, 24 and Glynis Day, 17, claimed that the baby's death certificate initially did not cite the cause of death as MRSA. The couple have reportedly blamed the hospital for Luke's death. They have also reportedly accused them of attempting to "cover up" the fact that MRSA had caused the baby's death.
Luke's grandmother, Kathy Day, who worked as a family support worker at Ipswich Hospital, has also reportedly resigned from her job because of the tragedy.
Ipswich Hospital has denied the family's claims that there was an attempt to cover up the cause of Luke's death. The hospital is conducting an investigation into the death, but tests to find the source of the MRSA infection have proved negative, with no trace of the bug being found in the hospital or staff so far.
Speaking at a news conference, Health Secretary John Reid told reporters that there were 2,000 infant deaths every year and every one was a tragedy. However, he said that only one of those deaths was caused by the MRSA infection.T
The MRSA bug is believed to account for around one fifth of the 5,000 deaths that are caused by infections picked up in hospitals every year. The 'superbug', which is resistant to antibiotics, was responsible for almost a thousand deaths in England and Wales in 2003.
(KmcA)
Luke Day, who is believed to be the youngest victim of the killer bug, was born in Ipswich Hospital on February 2. He weighed 7lbs, 7oz and appeared to be healthy.
However, he fell ill and died the next day – a post-mortem revealed that he had died of septicaemia caused by MRSA.
Luke's parents, Kevin Fenton, 24 and Glynis Day, 17, claimed that the baby's death certificate initially did not cite the cause of death as MRSA. The couple have reportedly blamed the hospital for Luke's death. They have also reportedly accused them of attempting to "cover up" the fact that MRSA had caused the baby's death.
Luke's grandmother, Kathy Day, who worked as a family support worker at Ipswich Hospital, has also reportedly resigned from her job because of the tragedy.
Ipswich Hospital has denied the family's claims that there was an attempt to cover up the cause of Luke's death. The hospital is conducting an investigation into the death, but tests to find the source of the MRSA infection have proved negative, with no trace of the bug being found in the hospital or staff so far.
Speaking at a news conference, Health Secretary John Reid told reporters that there were 2,000 infant deaths every year and every one was a tragedy. However, he said that only one of those deaths was caused by the MRSA infection.T
The MRSA bug is believed to account for around one fifth of the 5,000 deaths that are caused by infections picked up in hospitals every year. The 'superbug', which is resistant to antibiotics, was responsible for almost a thousand deaths in England and Wales in 2003.
(KmcA)
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22 March 2004
Children at greater risk of MRSA infection: report
Children in hospital are at a greater risk of succumbing to MRSA infection now than at any time in the past decade, according to a paper published in this week’s Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Children at greater risk of MRSA infection: report
Children in hospital are at a greater risk of succumbing to MRSA infection now than at any time in the past decade, according to a paper published in this week’s Archives of Disease in Childhood.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
16 July 2013
Experts Sent In To Oversee Hospital Reforms
The government have announced special measures are being taken against 11 hospitals over "major failings". The hospitals were among 14 investigated over high death rates, with health secretary Jeremy Hunt saying that the 11 highlightes had "problems so entrenched that tough action was needed.
Experts Sent In To Oversee Hospital Reforms
The government have announced special measures are being taken against 11 hospitals over "major failings". The hospitals were among 14 investigated over high death rates, with health secretary Jeremy Hunt saying that the 11 highlightes had "problems so entrenched that tough action was needed.
24 February 2005
MRSA death rate increased in 2003
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has reported that MRSA death increased in 2003. The latest ONS figures showed that MRSA mentions on death certificates increased by 19% between 2002 and 2003. However, the ONS believes that the increase might be partly due to better reporting of the disease, due to the increasing attention surrounding it.
MRSA death rate increased in 2003
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has reported that MRSA death increased in 2003. The latest ONS figures showed that MRSA mentions on death certificates increased by 19% between 2002 and 2003. However, the ONS believes that the increase might be partly due to better reporting of the disease, due to the increasing attention surrounding it.
10 February 2005
UK MRSA problem caused by contagious 'clones'
The MRSA epidemic plaguing Britain's hospitals may be due to extremely transmissible contagious clones of the superbug, a scientist has claimed. Dr Mark Enright, from the University of Bath, also said that better hospital hygiene would not be enough to prevent the spread of the infection.
UK MRSA problem caused by contagious 'clones'
The MRSA epidemic plaguing Britain's hospitals may be due to extremely transmissible contagious clones of the superbug, a scientist has claimed. Dr Mark Enright, from the University of Bath, also said that better hospital hygiene would not be enough to prevent the spread of the infection.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
