Rotterdam hospital ‘failed completely’ to deal with bacteria outbreak

Rotterdam’s Maasstad hospital failed on all fronts in its efforts to control an outbreak of a superbug in 2010 and 2011, according to an official investigation into the incident.


Last September, the hospital’s supervisory board set up an independent commission to investigate the outbreak, which killed at least three people.
It was not until the end of May 2011, when Nos television reported on the outbreak of the Klebsiella virus, that officials felt compelled to go public about the problems, the report said.
Microbiologists, experts in preventative infection, intensive care doctors, surgeons, the management board and the supervisory board all showed serious shortcomings in tackling the crisis.
Deaths
At least three people are thought to have died from an infection caused by the bacteria, and a further 10 may also have been killed by the bug.
Three microbiologists are to face disciplinary proceedings for failing to tackle the superbug. Earlier this year, health ministry inspectors said hospital hygiene experts are also ‘directly responsible’ for the hospital’s failings but will not face disciplinary procedures because the law does not allow this.
The inspectors have recommended the law be changed on this point.

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