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Chief Medical Officer rules out infection outbreak amid rise in newborn deaths at VJH

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Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie
 
Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, has confirmed an increase in the number of newborn deaths at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) since the beginning of this month.
 
But she says the rise is not linked to an outbreak of infection at the maternity hospital.
 
In a media release on Thursday, the Ministry said it acknowledges public concern regarding an increase in neonatal deaths at the health facility this month and has started its investigation.
 
Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie said preliminary data collection indicates that the majority of the affected babies were born prematurely with significant factors that could have predisposed them to serious illness.
 
"Of the babies that died, 55% were premature and 60% had low birth weight. This adds to the fragility of these babies. Despite the efforts of the staff, some of these babies have succumbed to their illnesses. As we are at the beginning of the time when we see an increase in the number of births, every effort is being made across the island to prepare our healthcare workers and our facilities to adequately manage all cases," she noted.
 
Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie said the established surge plan was activated at Victoria Jubilee Hospital and all steps taken to appropriately care for the patients.
 
"The regional health authority and the facility [have] put several measures in place to decrease the likelihood of infections, including increased spacing among the babies and enhance infection, prevention and control measures. The region also has put in place measures such as redeployment of staff and enhanced supplies and equipment monitoring to ensure that the capacity to manage the babies is optimised," the chief medical officer outlined.
 
She said the findings of the investigation will guide any required interventions and an update will be provided to the public once the process is complete.
 


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