Low-pressure taps at hospital blamed for babies' infections

The taps were designed for water savings and were unlikely to be flushing with enough force or volume to remove bacteria


Low-pressure taps have been blamed for four babies' infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Baby Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital in the U.K. last year, according to an article on the This Is Lancashire website.

The bacteria had spread through contaminated taps and sinks, which were being used by staff to wash their hands. An investigation found the taps were not being cleaned adequately.

The taps were designed for water savings and were unlikely to be flushing with enough force or volume to remove bacteria.

Cleaners were unaware of the presence of the bacteria so their usual cleaning methods were not removing the bug.

Read the article.

 

 



November 8, 2018


Topic Area: Infection Control


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