Computer fungus risk to premature babies in intensive care
Premature babies are particularly susceptible to birth injuries as their bodies are vulnerable and not fully developed. They also spend longer in hospital, often in intensive care units.
Bugs and germs in particular pose a threat to newborn children and can build up in intensive units and cause illness. A rare hospital fungus known as Aspergillus Fumigatus has been found in intensive care wards after the installation of computers, and it is known that other technical and mechanical equipment can harbour germs.
UK microbiologists analysing cultures from dust on hospital equipment have also spotted other types of fungi which could cause illnesses in babies in intensive care.
Keeping UK hospitals clean
UK hospitals are always under scrutiny to ensure they are maintaining standards of cleanliness, and that doctors and nurses wash their hands and arms regularly. However, sometimes those standards slip and units are not cleaned as regularly or as meticulously as they need to be, and birth injuries occur as a result.
Germs and fungi around equipment
Fewer computer-related germs are found around intensive care units in the UK than in equivalent units in the USA. This is because American hospitals use more computers in their wards, where there is usually a monitor per bed. The reason that the UK has fewer computers is due to financial constraints in the NHS and this situation may change in the future.
Premature babies - also known as 'preemies' in the States - can be extremely thin and their skin may look transparent or white. A premature baby is extremely fragile at this time of their life, and seeing a child hooked up to an oxygen or food supply while in an incubator is a frightening experience for many people.
Germs that may make one baby a little bit miserable and unhappy could pose a serious threat to the survival of a premature child and cause a birth accident. Lifesaving technology over the years and the quality of equipment in intensive care units has improved dramatically but parents are as worried as ever.
Infections create the greatest risk for premature babies because their bodies are less developed and their immune systems are less mature. This means that they are often unable to fight off germs that can cause a serious illness. Many premature babies are put on antibiotics to fight off infection as they may be unable to do so themselves.
Claiming compensation following a birth injury or illness
If the health of your premature child has been affected by medical negligence, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. Whether the birth injury was caused by lack of cleanliness or incorrect administering of medication, our personal injury solicitors have the expertise to help.
We understand that making a birth injury claim may seem daunting but promise to make the process as smooth and simple as possible for you. We will talk you through our compensation claim procedure in plain English, not legal jargon, and answer any questions you may have.
Call us now on 0800 10 757 95 to find out more about getting medical negligence compensation after a birth injury.
