The Burns Center of Floreasca Hospital in Bucharest is facing an outbreak of Candida auris, a rare and highly dangerous bacteria resistant to common treatments.
The Ministry of Health announced the suspension of new patient admissions.
"The Ministry of Health informs that, following the inspections carried out this week at the Burns Center of the Bucharest Emergency Clinical Hospital - Floreasca, a series of deficiencies were identified that led to the application of administrative sanctions and the adoption of corrective measures, both of a sanitary and organizational nature," a press release from the Ministry of Health stated on Friday evening.
According to the Ministry of Health, the following measures have been taken:
- temporary suspension of new patient admissions in the Burns Department;
- continuation of treatment for hospitalized patients, with strict application of protective equipment and specific protocols in the epidemiological context;
- replacement of all water filters at the Burns Center;
- restriction of visitor access;
- intensification of disinfection and decontamination procedures, using methods compliant with international guidelines;
- complete retraining of medical staff on hand hygiene measures, use of personal protective equipment, and instrument management;
- daily reporting to the unit management and health authorities on the implementation of the established measures;
- application of therapeutic schemes with antifungals and antibiotics according to protocols recommended by international organizations
Additionally, the Ministry of Health announced that following the inspection, fines of 30,000 lei were imposed on the cleaning company for non-compliance with procedures, and a fine of 30,000 lei was imposed on the medical unit for the lack of proper ventilation in the Burns Department.
Moreover, the College of Physicians in Romania is conducting its own professional investigation into the therapeutic and medical conduct of the staff involved in treating patients at the center.
UPDATE: Minister of Health demands resignation of Burns Center Chief
The Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, has requested the resignation of the Chief of the Severe Burns Center at Floreasca Hospital.
"The Chief of the Severe Burns Center at Floreasca Hospital shows blatant irresponsibility and indifference. Arrogance and neglect are incompatible with professional dignity, regardless of academic title. Nearly a week after the onset of a serious crisis following the shocking case of Lavinia and Alina, the section chief is still on leave, which has even been extended.
Without any public (or private) statement, without explanations, without empathy, not only towards patients but also towards the entire medical team. There is no room for suggestions or niceties from me anymore: I publicly and imperatively demand the immediate resignation of this section chief! They have no place at the helm of such a sensitive medical structure anymore!", Rogobete wrote on Facebook.
According to the minister, the section chief's response to all these problems is "null, non-existent."
"Social mobilization was needed, press articles, cries for help for a patient to find treatment outside the country. The intervention of the State Sanitary Inspection was needed for the patients at the center to be tested for Candida auris. The section chief's response to all these problems is null, non-existent. I feel compelled to publicly apologize to the patients and their families for the unacceptable behavior of a medical professional," the Minister of Health further stated.
"Camp" at Floreasca
The Candida auris bacteria was initially discovered by doctors in Belgium in the patient transferred to them last week.
Subsequently, after the woman's family spoke of the "camp" she went through at Floreasca Hospital, where she was admitted before being transferred to Belgium, Minister of Health Alexandru Rogobete sent the State Sanitary Inspection and the Control Body for verifications.
"I was told that this Candida auris is a deadly fungus, that was their expression. It is very important to understand that Lavinia is in quarantine and has dedicated medical staff - this medical staff no longer deals with other patients to avoid transmitting the fungus. I am repeatedly told that it is an extremely dangerous fungus, they used the word 'plague' in their discussions with me," Alina, the sister of the young woman transferred to Belgium after 53 days of hospitalization at the "Floreasca" Burns Center, told HotNews.