HC Deb 15 March 1957 vol 566 cc225-6W
Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make as full a statement as possible on the infection of five patients who were operated on recently in the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary, of whom two have died from infection by tetanus.

Mr. Vosper

Tetanus has been diagnosed in five patients who were operated on at the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary between 21st and 26th February. I greatly regret that two of these patients have since died, and I desire to express my sympathy with the relatives.

The symptoms appeared in the first case on 26th February. Further cases developed symptoms on 28th February, 1st March and 3rd March. The theatre suite in question was closed from 28th February and will not again be brought into use until any necessary measures have been taken to prevent any risk of further infection. Arrangements were made for emergency operations to be performed in the City General Hospital. Investigations are in progress to determine the source of infection, but they are not yet complete. My officers are in close touch with developments.

All those operated on between 21st and 26th February were given a protective dose of tetanus antitoxin on 1st and 2nd March except six patients who had been discharged, and their family doctors were advised to take the same action. I am satisfied that the hospital authorities have taken without delay the necessary action to deal with this unhappy occurrence.