Statement in relation to Klebsiella outbreak in November 2021

“We would again like to express our sincere condolences to the families affected for their sad loss.

 

“Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Neonatal Unit, which is a regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, had an outbreak of antibiotic resistant Klebsiella in November 2021.

 

“The bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, contributed to the deaths of two extremely premature babies. Klebsiella is a naturally occurring bacteria found in a person’s intestines but can cause infection in sick and vulnerable patients. Another baby died from complications related to Klebsiella oxytoca meningitis, a different species of the bacteria, in an unrelated isolated case in April of the same year.

 

“Unfortunately, the strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae identified in the November outbreak was resistant to gentamicin, the recommended antibiotic used to treat this infection. Infection outbreaks are sadly not an uncommon problem in neonatal intensive care units across the world and antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern.

 

“Following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the babies’ deaths we completed the actions identified, including putting in place additional infection prevention and control measures, increasing staff levels, and training more of our neonatal nurses to provide intensive care.

 

“A recent assurance review of our neonatal services carried out by NHS England and the West Yorkshire NHS ICB concluded that the service provides safe, high-quality care.

 

“We are committed to learning from these incidents to improve outcomes for all babies and the Neonatal Unit continues to provide the highest quality specialist care to all the babies there.”