Belfast Health Trust has been accused of not being quick enough in declaring an outbreak of pseudomonas and this has led to the death of four babies in Belfast and Derry hospitals, according to a complaint filed by the North’s Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.

It was seen that the spread of the pseudomonas bacteria took place through using tap water while changing nappies of the babies who died at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast in January and one baby at the Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry in December.

About 15 recommendations were made by the authority, in an interim report yesterday. These recommendations also include completion of the new neonatal intensive care unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital.

Prof Patricia Ann Troop, former chief executive of the health protection agency in England is heading the investigations into the matter.

It was stated by the professor that the lives of some of the babies could have been saved if a quick action was taken by the trust.

The report states, “This may have led to a delay in putting control measures in place when cases of infection occurred. It is recommended that an agreed approach is established across all trusts.”