Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust has admitted liability for the infection of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to one local baby after questions were raised over procedures to protect hygiene and infection.
Alistair Purvis, now 2, was tested positive for MRSA in October 2007 whilst in the neo-natal unit at Leeds General Infirmary. The family has now received compensation after Leeds Teaching Hospital admitted liability in failing to prevent Alistair contracting MRSA.
Baby Alistair was found to be infected with the bug after his parents noticed a discharge around his eyes shortly after leaving hospital.
Alarmed mother Sharon Purvis, from Leeds, sought legal advice from Wake Smith & Tofields after discovering that several other babies in the same ward had also been affected by the disease.
Sharon Purvis said: "No parent wants to learn that their new born child is ill as a result of being in hospital. Our experience has been particularly harrowing due to the case taking two years to come to a close. Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust has now admitted liability so at least our family can get some form of closure to this ordeal.
"I hope that Alistair's case helps to raise awareness about MRSA - we're told in the news that improvements are being made all the time when it comes to hospital hygiene but our experience shows that we all still need to be vigilant for the sake of loved ones receiving medical treatment in any hospital."
The NHS Litigation Authority has accepted responsibility on behalf of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. The authority admitted that it has failed to have an adequate system in place to prevent the disease spreading to Alistair. They also admitted that the hospital had failed to comply with protocol and guidelines regarding hygiene and infection control which led to MRSA.
Terry Regan, partner at Wake Smith & Tofields, acting on behalf of the family said: "Alistair tested positive for MRSA and received treatment which, so far at least, seems to have been successful. Alistair has made a full recovery but it is possible that longer term effects may still be felt.
"Alistair's case could and should have been avoided. The hospital could have controlled the risk and moving forward we hope that further steps will be taken to monitor and eradicate the risk of MRSA.
"MRSA is still prevalent across the UK so it is imperative that we do not rest on our laurels - hospitals need to tighten up compliance with infection control policies and take a more proactive approach to infection establishing itself in the first place. Although the number of reported cases has seen a slight decrease over the years, the risk is clearly still of concern, particularly to parents of young children like Alistair who are so vulnerable and unable to speak for themselves.
"Undergoing any procedure poses significant risk to being exposed to MRSA infection. Whilst we do not intend to scare monger, the high number of cases of MRSA reinforces the need for patients to be vigilant. Exposure can give rise to serious injuries and anyone concerned should speak to their medical team and seek the necessary legal advice."
Anyone concerned about exposure to MRSA should contact a member of the Medical Negligence team on 0114 2066 6660 or email [email protected].
