A deep clean was carried out at the neo-natal ward at Belfast’s Royal Jubilee Hospital at the weekend, following the tragic deaths of three babies from a bacterial infection. The babies died over a two-week period having contracted the Pseudomonas infection, which can cause breathing difficulties and damage tissue. A fourth baby is being treated and the other infants in the unit are being tested to see if they have the infection.

The infection can take hold in areas such as sinks and in water pipes with stagnant water – the bacteria can live for several days on surfaces but can be destroyed by vigorous hand-washing. Visitors to public buildings, including hospitals, should make use of hygiene facilities, as many people unwittingly bring infections with them.

Deep cleaning in premises which have frequent visitors is highly recommended and should be part of a regular programme of activity – to find out more about how we can help to maintain cleaning and hygiene standards, please contact So Clean here.