Cardiff neonatal unit infection: Three babies discharged

Three of the 12 babies who tested positive for bacterial infections have now left a Cardiff neonatal unit.

New admissions to the unit at University Hospital of Wales stopped on Thursday because of a "cluster of infections".

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said those infected have "responded well to treatment".

Other babies who need neonatal care are being referred to other hospitals.

Ruth Walker, director of nursing for the health board, said: "We continue to work with colleagues to keep the babies involved safe whilst maintaining support for expectant mums."

Unusual

The health board has said enhanced infection prevention control measures had been put in place to prevent the infections - Acinetobacter baumanii and Enterobacter - spreading.

There are now 13 babies at the unit, which has 30 cots for intensive care, high-dependency and special care.

While it is not uncommon for premature babies to suffer infection, the number of cases so close together is "unusual", the health board said.

The unit - which admits, on average, one to two babies a day - remains able to deal with urgent emergency cases where necessary.