3 Babies Poisoned In Cambridgeshire Hospitals

5 June 2014, 17:17

Peterborough City Hospital say one of the first babies to be infected by the contaminated batch of iv drip feeds was in their neonatal unit.

This afternoon (Thursday) it emerged the suspected contaminated batch of a food supplement linked to the death of one baby in London and the illness of 14 others was sent to 22 different hospitals.

Last night we heard how 15 babies in six hospitals across England had developed septicaemia after being infected with the bacterium known as Bacillus cereus according to Public Health England (PHE).

The baby died from blood poisoning at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust on Sunday after being infected by a suspected contaminated intravenous fluid.

PHE has "strongly linked" the cases with a batch of intravenous liquid called parenteral nutrition, made by ITH Pharma of London - which was given to the babies.

Of those infected by successfully treated including 2 babies at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

But today it's emerged one of the first babies to have been infected was an infant in the neo-natal unit at the Peterborough City Hospital on Friday.

John Randall, the Medical Director for Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Public Health England is currently investigating a number of cases of infections on neonatal units, including Peterborough City Hospital. The infections were traced back to a feeding substance which has now been withdrawn.

One baby in the neonatal unit at the Trust has been affected and was quickly treated with antibiotics on Friday 31 May.

The baby is now in a stable condition and responding well to treatment. We are supporting the parents and keeping them updated.

Public Health England believes the outbreak is now controlled but will be following up to make sure there is no further risk.

Last night, a spokesman for Addenbrooke's hospital said: "Public Health England has been investigating a small number of cases of infections on neonatal units within six UK hospitals, including CUH Addenbrooke's.  The infections were traced back to a feeding substance which has now been withdrawn. All the babies concerned are being treated and have responded well.   Public Health England believes the outbreak is now controlled but will be following up to make sure there is no further risk. If parents have any concerns they should speak to their clinician.

Two cases here, stable and improving."

UPDATE 1700hrs

The latest from a spokesman at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge: "All the babies on the unit are being closely monitored for any signs of infection. We are confident  that the measures we have in place will protect these vulnerable newborns.

Two babies who were found to have been infected  are responding well to the antibiotics. We are supporting the parents and the families concerned. All of the families have been kept informed about what is going on and the progress being made."