Milk Bank services suspended at SWAH over bacteria for seven months

by Gráinne Connolly

It's been confirmed services at the Human Milk Bank at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen have been suspended for the past seven months, after bacteria was found in it's pasteuriser machines.

The bank has been providing breast milk for neonatal babies in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland since 2000.

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust says the problem was discovered earlier this year, when the milk bank was moved from Irvinestown.

“The Milk Bank relocated to more suitable accommodation in the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen on 29 January 2018.

"Regretfully, the Trust encountered difficulties achieving processing standards during this relocation period and donor milk had to be disposed of.

“The Milk Bank will work diligently to achieve the understandably high standards required to assist vulnerable and sick babies and children and will recommence the service at the earliest opportunity.”

“We would like to thank all of our donors for their continued support, as it is only with their help that this invaluable service can continue.”