Killer infection came from taps

An infection that killed three babies at a hospital has been traced to taps in its neo-natal unit.

All the taps and connected pipes in the room at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, Belfast, are being removed as experts try to eradicate all traces of the pseudomonas bacteria, said the Northern Ireland Health Minister, Edwin Poots. Another baby is being treated after showing signs of the infection.

A different pseudomonas strain, which claimed the life of an infant at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry last month, was also linked to the water system in its neo-natal unit. Mr Poots said special ultraviolet technology may be installed in hospitals to try to prevent further outbreaks.