POLITICIANS have said "serious questions" will be asked about infection control in hospitals after the death of two babies at a Glasgow maternity hospital.

An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been set up to investigate three linked cases of Staphylococcus aureus in the neonatal unit of the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said two of the babies were extremely poorly due to their very early birth and have passed away. Infection was one of a number of contributing causes in both deaths.

Read more: Glasgow OAP's death could now be linked to pigeon infection

The third premature baby who tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus required treatment for the bacterium and is in a stable condition, in isolation.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is found on the skin and in the nasal passage of around one in four people and only causes infection when it enters the body. 

In cases where people are vulnerable to infection, it can cause serious infection. It can be transmitted through poor infection control or invasive procedures with contaminated equipment.

Dr Barbara Weinhardt, infection control doctor, said:  "Our thoughts are with the families affected.

“Results have today confirmed that the three cases of Staphylococcus aureus are linked and our investigations continue into how they are linked.

“We have taken a number of control measures in the unit, including a deep clean, isolation and barrier nursing, safety briefs to all staff and infection control advice to all visitors.”

It comes as investigations continue into two separate fungal infections at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The Crown Office is examining the deaths of a 10-year-old boy and an elderly woman who were treated for an infection linked to pigeon droppings.

Another patient remains seriously ill in hospital with a separate bug.

Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservatives shadow health secretary said "serious questions" would be asked about infection control, following the recent deaths at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

He said: "This is a desperately tragic story, and people will now ask serious questions about infection control in hospitals.

"Four deaths have now occurred in recent times under circumstances like these, and it's time for the SNP government to get a grip on this situation."

Labour's Monica Lennon said: "The Health Secretary must urgently provide the reassurance the public needs."

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “My thoughts are with the families affected at this time.

"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has spoken with these families as well as other families within the unit and, with the support of Health Protection Scotland (HPS), is taking the necessary steps to ensure patient safety.

“The health board continues to be supported by Health Protection Scotland, and its infection control team is working closely with clinical and domestic staff to manage the situation.”

National guidance sets out that an investigation should be triggered when two or more cases of the same type of bacteria are found.

Dr Alan Mathers, Chief of Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Service, said: “In this case, this was triggered on January 24 and an Incident Management Team meeting (IMT) was convened.

“The IMT began their investigations into possible linkages between the three cases and sent samples for testing.

Read more: Two patients treated for new fungal infection at QUEH

“Whilst these results were awaited, we spoke to the families affected, together with the parents on the unit and staff, to let them know of our investigations.

“The results that have come back today have confirmed links between the three cases.

“Our infection control team continues to work closely with clinical colleagues and domestic staff to manage the situation and take all necessary steps to maintain patient safety.”

Dr Lisa Ritchie, Nurse Consultant Infection Control, Health Protection Scotland, said: “Health Protection Scotland is supporting NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to ensure that all precautionary and control measures are taken in line with national guidance.”