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Salford Royal investigates dangerous baby infection

15/02/2008

Salford Royal Hospital has said it will not admit any more premature babies to its neo-natal unit after one baby died and another contracted a serious infection.

The decision to temporarily shut the ward, which is due to close permanently in 2011, came after a baby tested positive for a fungal infection.

In December, a pre-term baby at the hospital died from a similar infection caused by an airborne fungus called aspergillus.

The ward has been closed to new admissions while experts establish if there are any "common contributory factors".

Dr Michael Robinson, senior consultant neonatologist at the hospital, said: "Pre-term babies are more susceptible to developing infections because of their immaturity.

"When a second infection occurred within two months of the first, we took further advice and are embarking upon a range of investigations and precautionary measures."

The disease is a common airborne fungus sometimes found in damp buildings. It is usually harmless but can develop in people with weakened immune systems or those who suffer from asthma.

Earlier this year, Salford Royal - formerly known as Hope Hospital - was cited by the Healthcare Commission as one of the best performing trusts for maternity services.