Prince William’s recent visit to a neonatal unit at St Mary’s Hospital in London has garnered attention, but not for the reasons he might have hoped. A picture of him holding a newborn baby has been turned into a health warning poster, highlighting the improper handling of infants.
Midwives at a maternity hospital have pointed out several mistakes made by the Prince, which could potentially spread bacteria such as MRSA. Firstly, he did not roll up his sleeves, which means the baby could be exposed to bacteria on his shirt. Additionally, because his sleeves were down, it is unlikely that he properly washed his hands and arms.
The location where Prince William was sitting is also a concern. Being next to a sink with people coming and going increases the risk of further contamination.
To remind staff of the proper protocol for handling newborn or premature babies in hospitals, a poster with a bold red heading that reads “William is not thinking risk” is displayed prominently at the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion in Edinburgh.
Despite the criticism, Sina Nuru’s mother, Banata, has no concerns about the way Prince William handled her baby. She remembers him washing his hands before holding Sina and describes him as generous and good fun.
A spokeswoman for St Mary’s Hospital assures that stringent guidelines were followed during Prince William’s visit, including the use of hand gel and the rolling up of sleeves. The positioning of the chair was due to limited space and not a disregard for infection control protocols.
While the picture may have sparked controversy, it is important to remember the positive impact of Prince William’s visit to the neonatal unit and the joy he brought to the babies and their families.
SOURCE:DAILYMAIL