Bradford trust brings in new infection control measures, staff and training after infection outbreak in neonatal unit

Two babies were being cared for in the same room of the neonatal unit after they were born several months prematurely. Both died from sepsis after they were infected by the drug-resistant superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae. The family of one of the boys who died, who was two years old, have launched legal action against the NHS trust.

The internal investigation report, seen by the BBC, concluded that the spread of the bacteria, which was also passed to five other infants, “could have been prevented”.

Staff in the neonatal unit were not “consistently” following hand hygiene guidelines at the time of the outbreak and “seemed unclear” about where and when personal protective equipment was required, the report said.

It also identified a “missed opportunity” to provide more appropriate treatment to the second baby who died.

Bradford Royal Infirmary said it had improved its infection control measures. A spokesperson for the trust offered “sincere condolences to the families affected for their sad loss”.

They said “additional infection prevention and control measures” had been put in place, while “staffing levels and training for neonatal nurses to provide intensive care” had been increased.

“A recent assurance review of our neonatal services carried out by NHS England concluded that the service provides safe, high quality care,” the spokesperson added.