Glasgow maternity hospital babies died from ‘extremely rare’ infection

It has been reported that two newborn babies who died at Princess Royal Maternity Hospital were infected with a rare bacterium never seen before in Scotland.

Both babies were born prematurely at the hospital and it has now been confirmed that they had been infected with a rare strain of the staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which has been recorded in only two other countries worldwide.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of hospital-spread infections, but the strain which infected the babies is highly resistant to either of the two antibiotics which are usually prescribed.

A spokesperson from the health board has confirmed that this was the first time the strain had been identified in Scotland, adding “Previously these cases have only been identified in two other countries worldwide.

“We have continued to screen babies in our three neonatal units and there have been no further cases of infection.

“We have also put in place a number of further infection control measures including staff screening, the prescribing of different antibiotics and the introduction of a new skin cleaning agent.”

An incident management team has been set up at the hospital following detection of the bacterium and a deep clean has also been carried out in the neonatal unit.

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record. The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence. He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims. Tony also acts as the Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled. Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk. Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win-no fee solicitors for free legal advice on the freephone number below.

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