Western Sydney hospital in hot water after vaccine mishap

A hospital in western Sydney is at the centre of controversy for the second time with several infants given an ineffective hepatitis B vaccine. Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital was earlier responsible for the gassing mix-up of two newborns.

The medical facility is now reaching out to a total of 282 mothers regarding the latest mishap. These mums are those who delivered on Nov. 29, 2016 until Jan. 22. The resolution to contact mothers has started when the fridge in which routine vaccines were stored was discovered with low temperature readings.

Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital has assured that no further action will be needed for most cases aside from ensuring that the affected babies get their remaining vaccines on time. Only six infants have been called to return and were given an additional vaccination.

Parents are being advised that the potentially less effective vaccine given to their infants causes no harm. However, ensuring that the babies get the right amount of vaccine they need is necessary. "Some babies may not have received important early protection against hepatitis B," acting director of population health at South Western Sydney Local Health District Dr Stephen Conaty said.

In relation to the mishaps committed by the hospital, the Department of Labour seeks an assurance from Health Minister Brad Hazzard that all safety and medical procedures have been followed to guarantee the safety of the infants. Labour also demands an independent investigation to ensure the integrity of Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.

"This is about ensuring the integrity of the health and hospital system which has lurched from crisis to crisis," opposition health spokesman Walt Secord said in a statement. Secord believes that it is a right of every parent to know that the vaccines being given to their children are effective and offering protection.

Last year, two babies, a girl and a boy, were mistakenly given nitrous oxide instead of oxygen at the same hospital. The error has led to the baby boy’s death while the other infant has suffered suspected brain damage.

Dr Kerry Chant, New South Wales chief health officer, has released a report indicating that the incorrect installation of medical gas pipes, flawed testing and commissioning of the pipes led to the two cases. "This was a catastrophic error and, on behalf of NSW Health, I apologise unreservedly to both families," Chant has told reporters. The Guardian has reported that the general manager of the hospital has been suspended.