The North West Regional Health Authority has suspended the head of the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Unit attached to the Port of Spain General Hospital.
In a release, the NWRHA didn't name the individual but said they "shall proceed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the relevant investigations into the demise of the seven (7) neonates at the NICU, during the period April 4th through the 9th 2024."
The NWRHA said it may make further recommendations for suspensions if deemed necessary to advance the investigation.
The Authority also wishes to advise that it will make a further statement as it relates to the additional neonates for whom it has also received pre-action protocol letters.
"The Board of Directors and the Management of the NWRHA wishes to reiterate its commitment to transparency and accountability in respect of this difficult and painful situation and we look forward to cooperating fully with the independent investigation," the release said.
"The NWRHA in its release said it empathises with the parents and family of the neonates who recently passed away at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Port of Spain General Hospital.