The Department of Health and Families has confirmed that four patients at Royal Darwin Hospital have been identified with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci(VRE). Stringent measures are being implemented to manage the situation in accordance with Infection Control Policy.
"Based on expert advice and in accordance with departmental guidelines, all patients who may have come into contact with the known cases are being screened for VRE," said RDH General Manager, Dr Len Notaras.
"Individuals identified as being colonized, are managed in accordance with strict VRE Infection Control management guidelines. This includes vigilance and double-cleaning identified ward areas."
"The safety of our patients is paramount and we are doing everything possible to limit any possible spread of these bacteria," Dr Notaras said.
RDH will continue to implement required actions until the current situation is resolved.
"Although VRE bacteria can be carried quite harmlessly by up to 2% of the general population, its presence amongst high-risk patients who have become resistant to the vancomycin antibiotic could seriously compromise their health,"Dr Notaras explained.
Background
- Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is often used to treat very serious infections.
- Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) is a bacterium that has become resistant to vancomycin, and as a result, limits treatment options for medical staff treating seriously ill patients with major infections.
Further information on VRE is available at: http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Vancomycin_Resistant_Enterococcus_VRE/index.aspx
Media contact: Kasey Brunt, Royal Darwin Hospital 0419 818 414
Release Date: 15 September 2009