06/06/2014

Three New Babies Reportedly Poisoned At NHS Hospitals

The number of poisoned babies with the bacillus cereus at NHS hospitals has increased to 18, after three new cases came to light.

The latest death happened on the 01 June, according to reports.

It is understood that most of the babies have been premature and were being treated in neonatal intensive care units in nine different hospitals. It is said that most are now responding to treatment.

The three new cases were reported between Thursday and Saturday last week but were not reported by the Public Health England until now.

Hospitals were alerted to the problem on Wednesday and the contaminated batches have been withdrawn, although as they expired on Monday none should have been in use.

A total of 162 units of the feed were reportedly sent out from the contaminated batches to more than 20 different hospitals and it is expected that other cases will emerge.

Public Health England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are investigating the outbreaks focussing on the Tuesday 27 May production.

ITH Pharma managing director Karen Hamling said before the three new cases appeared: "From investigations carried out so far, it would appear the potential contamination is linked to a single sourced raw material ingredient.”

She added: "As a mother, as a pharmacist , as someone who has worked for 30 years in healthcare, inside and outside the NHS, I am deeply saddened that one baby has died and 14 others have fallen ill from septicaemia."

(CVS)

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