Unit Given Deep Clean Following Infection Concerns

An investigation has been launched at Singleton Hospital in Swansea following the deaths of two babies who suffered from E. coli.

The local health board has confirmed that the hospital’s maternity and neonatal unit have been subjected to a deep clean following the deaths, while five cases in total have been identified.

According to experts, the problems related to ESBL E. coli, which is different to the more common E. coli O157 strain of the infection. The maternity unit has been re-opened for full-term births, although admissions have been restricted in relation to those of 36 weeks and under gestation.

Mandy Luckman, a Partner in Irwin Mitchell’s medical negligence team, said it was vital that health authorities work quickly to determine how the infection began.

She said: “It is hugely concerning to hear of the terrible problems at the hospital and, while it is welcome to hear of the steps taken to control the infection, it is vital that lessons are learned from these issues.

“The families of those affected by the problems at the maternity and neonatal unit, as well as other patients, will be desperate for answers over what happened at the hospital.

“We hope that the investigations underway are able to provide a clear picture of how this infection occurred with a view to ensuring that the same terrible consequences do not arise in the future, either at this hospital or other sites across the UK.”