COMMUNICATIONS

Ward Re-Opens Following Infection Outbreak

Ward 3A at The Princess Margaret Hospital has re-opened for admissions and transfers following an outbreak of Streptoccocal bacterial infection on the ward earlier this month.

The infection is believed to have contributed to the deaths of three patients in late September and early October. No-one has become ill with the infection since Friday 13 October, when screening and treatment with preventative antibiotics began for all patients and staff on the ward.

"Four people tested positive for Streptococcal A during screening and they will be re-screened shortly after they have finished their antibiotics," CDHB Acting Clinical Director Older Persons Health, DrJeff Kirwan said.

"We are still taking extra precautions with wounds but the ward is now open and safe for people to be admitted," he said.

A CDHB investigation into the outbreak is underway. "The purpose of this is to look at events surrounding the outbreak to see if any opportunities for improvement can be identified to further limit the risk of infection to patients."

ENDS