The National Children's Hosptial, Tallaght has released a new statement regarding CRE. You can read the statement in full below. 
 

Statement for CF Ireland from the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght, regarding antibiotic resistant bacteria, (CRE) and Cystic fibrosis.

The national Antibiotic Reference Laboratory in Galway has identified an increased prevalence of Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in Ireland throughout all hospitals over recent years.

Tallaght Hospital is currently treating a number of adult in-patients diagnosed with CRE, the majority of whom are carriers of this bacteria as opposed to having an active CRE infection.

CRE is a bacteria which can subsequently cause an infection which is difficult (but not impossible) to treat. All appropriate precautions and screenings are being undertaken to reduce the both the likelihood of these patients acquiring this bacteria and also to prevent transmission of CRE to others, in line with all Health Protection Surveillance Centre guidelines.

It is important to note that no CRE have been identified in the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght Hospital which has separate wards, equipment, outpatient areas, x ray and phlebotomy. Consequently, the HSE has formally delisted the Children’s hospital as separate and not related to the adult cluster in Tallaght.

Antibiotic resistance is common in children with Cystic Fibrosis and exceptional measures are taken to prevent cross infection in all hospitals. In this regard the NCH in Tallaght is no different in risk than any other CF hospital.

The Tallaght Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department (ED) and Adult ED are separate units and neither have been associated with this outbreak. Patients should continue to use both EDs as normal.