TWO newborns died and a third was left fighting for life after a rare bug swept through a baby unit at a new "super hospital".
All were hit by the Serratia marcescens bacteria, which is found in the stomachs and bowels of children and can cause serious infections in the weak.
Both dead babies were born before 28 weeks and were being cared for at the neonatal intensive care unit of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
After tests showed the presence of the bacteria, the unit was temporarily closed to new admissions. Experts from the Health Protection Agency were called in and the unit was deep-cleaned.
The third child was yesterday being treated in isolation. Four other premature babies were also affected by the outbreak but recovered. The £400million hospital in Stoke-on-Trent opened its doors only last March.
The outbreak began in July but was revealed for the first time this week following a hospital meeting.
Chief executive of North Staffordshire NHS trust Julie Bridgewater said: "We identified the infection in our neonatal intensive care unit. It can affect babies born extremely prematurely.
"Sadly two babies who died had this uncommon infection." UHNS infection experts said parents of babies already discharged had no need to worry.
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