Most stories are linked to the full newspaper article.
Thursday 4th September 2008
Patient dies in C diff outbreak
It has been revealed that a patient died in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, on August 27, after being infected with Clostridium difficile. The death came amid a C diff outbreak on one ward, which saw eight patients infected in four weeks. The ward is now closed to new admissions. A second patient infected with the bug also died but the health board said C diff was not a factor in this case. A third patient hit by C diff has now been treated and discharged and the five others are being treated in isolation. The board said in a statement: "The remaining five patients are improving and are no longer showing any symptoms of C diff but continue to be nursed in isolation. "As a precautionary measure, the ward is not admitting new patients." An outbreak control team has been established and is investigating the incident. (C4News)
Friday 29 August 2008
Latest figures - C. difficile deaths double in two years
The number of deaths involving the hospital bug Clostridium difficile have more than doubled in two years in England and Wales, latest figures show.
Despite recent falls in the rate of infection, C. difficile was mentioned on 8,324 death certificates last year compared with 6,480 in 2006 – an increase of 28 per cent. This compares with 3,757 mentions on death certificates in 2005, and represents a “substantial increase” since 2003, the ONS said.
The Department of Health said that the increase may be because of better reporting of C. difficile, but opposition parties called the figures “horrifying” and said that many of the deaths could have been avoided.
Professor Brian Duerden, the Government’s inspector of microbiology and infection control, said that he believed the rise in the number of C. difficile cases recorded as a contributing factor on death certificates did not represent a rise in the actual number of deaths, but primarily an “increase in awareness and reporting”.
Andrew Lansley, the Shadow Health Secretary, said: “It is tragic that so many people are dying unnecessarily each year from Clostridium difficile. “The vast majority of these deaths could have been avoided if the Government had only taken the right action.
Patient Concern, the campaign group, added: “The reasons for these deaths are simple – it is down to dirty hospitals, overcrowded wards, lack of isolation units and poor practice.” They believe that fear of infections dissuades some patients from going into hospital for operations. (Times BBC)
Thursday 7 August 2008
C. difficile inquiry shows hospital failings
An independent inquiry into an outbreak of Clostridium difficile at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Dunbartonshire has revealed that facilities were inadequate for the efficient isolation of infected patients. The inquiry also criticised the hospital for its poor handwashing facilities and for its misuse of antibiotics. 9 people died as a result of C. difficile infection and it was a contributing factor in a further 9 deaths. The inquiry has recommended that NHS Greater Galsgow and Clyde takes “specific actions” to avoid further outbreaks and has called for another review at the end of the year. (BBC)
Monday 4th August 2008
More deaths linked to C.difficile in Northern Ireland
C.difficile has contributed to 61 deaths in Northern Ireland Trust in the last year, and 8 deaths in the last month. This BBC Northern Ireland news report looks at the lessons which can be learned from the mainland to help reverse the upward trend. (BBC)
Wednesday 30 July 2008
No charge over C. diff deaths
Kent Police and the Health and Safety Executive have ruled out charges against Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust following 90 deaths in an outbreak of Clostridium difficile between April 2004 and September 2006. After a nine month inquiry, they concluded a causal link cannot be established and there is no evidence to suggest manslaughter. C. difficile was definitely or probably the main cause of death for 90 people, definitely a contributing factor in 124 deaths and probably a contributing factor in a further 55 deaths at the hospital. A Healthcare Commission report cited lapses in hygiene as a possible cause of the outbreak. An audit of the Trust will be carried out in September. ( BBC, Guardian, Times)
