CRUMLIN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL has confirmed that it is contacting 18 families who are implicated in a contamination scare at the facility.

This follows the discovery of a “microbiological growth” on one of its colonoscopes following a routine sterilisation on 6 July. Following quarantine and test procedures the contamination was found to be confined to the one colonoscope.

The growth has been identified as “extended spectrum beta lactamases-ESBL”, a bug that can cause problems for people who are undergoing intensive treatments such as chemotherapy.

Officials have determined that the device was used on 18 child patients who had a colonoscopy between 17 May and 5 July and the hospital has managed to contact 15 families of these children with three families not yet having answered their phones.

The hospital said in a statement that it would be sending letters, an information pack and a sample test kit to each family.

The hospital said it will assist any child that tests positive for the bug and their family, providing them with all necessary information and support.

“It is important to note that this issue was discovered by the hospital as a result of routine quality assurance. There is no immediate impact on children’s health,” the hospital said in a statement issued this evening.

“It relates to one scope used in colonoscopy procedures only and affects only colonoscopy procedures carried out between 17th May and 5th July 2013.

“The hospital apologises for any distress caused. We do emphasise once again that there is no immediate impact on children’s health.”

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