Neonatal unit at Cardiff hospital closes due to infection

The neonatal unit at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff has closed to new admissions after some babies there got an infection.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board closed the unit after three babies tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria.

The exact cause of the infection is not known and investigations are ongoing.

Fourteen babies are being cared for in the unit and those who were treated are said to be responding well.

The unit was also closed in August when 12 babies tested positive for infections, including Acinetobacter baumannii. It reopened a few weeks ago.

The health board said at the time enhanced infection prevention control measures had been put in place.

It was unable to confirm if the current infections are linked to the previous cases.

Ruth Walker, executive nurse director for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: "We are continuing to do all we can to keep these babies safe and are working with our colleagues across the neonatal network to make sure expectant women are properly cared for."

No new cases were reported in the past eight days, the health board said.

The unit, which cares for premature babies and those requiring emergency admission for other conditions, usually admits between one and two babies a day.

The health board said the unit was still able to deal with emergencies.