The outbreak of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) occurred in 20 different units at Sahlgrenska from August 2024 to August 2025.
Ten people developed a clinical VRE infection, several of whom died. Among them were an elderly man and a young woman. A total of 176 patients were affected.
Now the hospital is reporting itself to the Swedish Health and Care Inspectorate (Ivo), according to Lex Maria, and pointing out several shortcomings.
An internal investigation points to a lack of working methods, routines and guidelines that should make healthcare more hygienic. Cleaning of the hospital's toilets has been done too infrequently and with a lack of knowledge among the staff, among other things.
The work on reduced occupancy and better hygiene routines will now be intensified, according to Chief Physician Magnus Brink.
"I defend myself against the image that Sahlgrenska is some kind of sleazy hospital," he tells GP.
