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Hospital in baby deaths inquiry Hospital in baby deaths inquiry
(about 2 hours later)
Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry is at the centre of a major investigation into the sudden deaths of four newborn babies, the BBC has learned. An investigation is under way into the sudden deaths of four babies at the neonatal unit of Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.
The hospital referred the cases to the coroner in September, but would not say why or when the babies died. The babies died in the space of a few months, the last in September when the matter was referred to the coroner.
It said the hospital was co-operating fully with the inquiry. It could be a year before the coroner is in a position to make a report.
"Any unexpected death is always a source of sadness for our staff and we have given our sincere condolences to the bereaved parents and families." The hospital said it was co-operating fully with the inquiry and that any unexpected death was a source of sadness for the staff.
Neonatal units specialise in treating babies who are sick or premature.
A hospital spokesperson added: "We would confirm that in September we referred four cases of sudden infant death in the hospital to the coroner for investigation.A hospital spokesperson added: "We would confirm that in September we referred four cases of sudden infant death in the hospital to the coroner for investigation.
"We have given our sincere condolences to the bereaved parents and families.
"We believe it is inappropriate for us to make any further media statements on this matter, pending the completion of those investigations.""We believe it is inappropriate for us to make any further media statements on this matter, pending the completion of those investigations."
The hospital said the babies were weeks or months old.
Coroners are required by law to investigate deaths which are violent or unnatural, sudden or of an unknown cause.Coroners are required by law to investigate deaths which are violent or unnatural, sudden or of an unknown cause.