Information for Families/Patients regarding Mycobacterium chimaera

Following an international safety notification, Irish hospitals that conduct open heart surgeries have been made aware of a possible link between a very low risk of bacterial infection, Mycobacterium chimaera, and specific heater cooler devices used in regulating body temperature levels during heart surgery.

As a precautionary measure Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC) has written to all patients who have had surgery within the past five years, involving this piece of equipment to make them aware of the potential for, but very low risk of, infection after cardiac surgery.  

The hospital has carried out a review of patients who had cardiac surgery in OLCHC within the past 5 years.  

We wish to reassure families/patients, that to date, OLCHC has had no cases of children post cardiac surgery, presenting with infection caused by Mycobacterium chimaera.

What to do next?

It is not our intention to cause families/patients undue worry or distress.

If your child becomes unwell for any reason please attend your GP as normal.  If your child is generally well and does not have any symptoms (see patient information leaflet) then you do not need to worry or take any action.

Contact OLCHC Cardiac department if you have any further questions: Telephone (01) 4282854

Read OLCHC Sample Patient Letter

Read What are Mycobacterial infections?

Read  Mycobacterium Chimaera Patient Information Leaflet

Read  Mycobacterium Chimaera Investigation Report Ireland – November 2016

Read  Mycobacterium Chimaera Case Report Form