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| Ward move after bug-linked deaths | Ward move after bug-linked deaths |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| Thirteen people are being treated at Antrim Area Hospital for a bug linked to 10 deaths at the hospital in the past six months. | Thirteen people are being treated at Antrim Area Hospital for a bug linked to 10 deaths at the hospital in the past six months. |
| They are being treated in a special ward for the effects of Clostridium difficile, which is largely recognised as a hospital-acquired infection. | They are being treated in a special ward for the effects of Clostridium difficile, which is largely recognised as a hospital-acquired infection. |
| It has emerged 16 deaths at three Northern Trust hospitals have been linked to C. difficle since July. | It has emerged 16 deaths at three Northern Trust hospitals have been linked to C. difficle since July. |
| Dr Peter Flanagan of the trust said there was "clear cause for concern". | Dr Peter Flanagan of the trust said there was "clear cause for concern". |
| "But we've taken the approach of trying to be extremely active about this to try and do everything we can to manage the situation, to try and reduce the risk to our patients and our community," he continued. | "But we've taken the approach of trying to be extremely active about this to try and do everything we can to manage the situation, to try and reduce the risk to our patients and our community," he continued. |
| "In 16 incidents the deaths were associated with C. difficle, but we have to keep in mind that these patients are generally older patients, frailer patients, who often have multiple other health problems. | "In 16 incidents the deaths were associated with C. difficle, but we have to keep in mind that these patients are generally older patients, frailer patients, who often have multiple other health problems. |
| "And, in many, the C. difficle has been the kind of final event, the final infection, which has led to the loss of their lives." | "And, in many, the C. difficle has been the kind of final event, the final infection, which has led to the loss of their lives." |
| Ten of the deaths were at Antrim Area Hospital, five others in Whiteabbey Hospital, and there was one at Braid Valley Hospital. | Ten of the deaths were at Antrim Area Hospital, five others in Whiteabbey Hospital, and there was one at Braid Valley Hospital. |
| At total of 27 patients at Northern Trust hospitals currently have C. difficle. The trust admits this is a "higher than expected level". | |
| The bacterium causes diarrhoea and can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. | The bacterium causes diarrhoea and can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. |
| The Northern Trust has recently identified a virulent strain called ribotype 027. | The Northern Trust has recently identified a virulent strain called ribotype 027. |
| C. difficile is largely recognised as a hospital-acquired infection | C. difficile is largely recognised as a hospital-acquired infection |
| It is believed to be the first time this strain has emerged in Northern Ireland.Screening | |
| SDLP MLA Carmel Hanna, who is a member of the Stormont health committee, has called for all patients going into hospital to be screened. | SDLP MLA Carmel Hanna, who is a member of the Stormont health committee, has called for all patients going into hospital to be screened. |
| "It means if somebody has the bug they are immediately isolated. You reduce the spread of the infection," she said. | "It means if somebody has the bug they are immediately isolated. You reduce the spread of the infection," she said. |
| "It is a case of everybody being involved - right from the cleaners to the porters, right up to the consultants. | "It is a case of everybody being involved - right from the cleaners to the porters, right up to the consultants. |
| "And personal hygiene has a lot to do with it. Nobody should get anywhere near a hospital ward without washing their hands." | "And personal hygiene has a lot to do with it. Nobody should get anywhere near a hospital ward without washing their hands." |