Improper Cleaning Protocols in Hospitals Leads to Ireland’s Superbug Outbreak
The U.S. isn’t the only country that struggles with healthcare associated infections. Tallaght Hospital in Ireland is facing an outbreak of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) after its cleaning budget was reduced as a cost-cutting measure.
As a result of the outbreak, wards had to be closed in the hospitals, and operations cancelled. Government Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher claimed “More worryingly, 2000 patients have been put at risk. Let’s get real here, these aren’t 2000 fit and healthy people, but 2000 people in hospital undergoing treatment due to being ill.”
CPE, also called Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), are highly resistant to antibiotics. STAT News reports that the bacteria may be spreading throughout U.S. hospitals more “stealthily” than researchers had anticipated. CREs are responsible for around 9,300 infections – and 600 deaths – each year in the U.S. alone.
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is a premier medical malpractice law firm focusing on infectious diseases and HAIs (Hospital Acquired Infections) that have been spread as a result of negligence. If you developed a serious illness at an inpatient or outpatient healthcare facility anywhere in the U.S., we may be able to help. Please call 803-327-7800, or fill out our contact form to learn more.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
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