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Hospital bug linked to 77 deaths Hospital bug linked to 77 deaths
(about 4 hours later)
The hospital bug, Clostridium difficile, was mentioned on the death certificates of 77 people in Northern Ireland last year.The hospital bug, Clostridium difficile, was mentioned on the death certificates of 77 people in Northern Ireland last year.
That figure, revealed by the Department of Health, is a rise of 14 from 2006. Thirty deaths were recorded in the last four months of 2007.That figure, revealed by the Department of Health, is a rise of 14 from 2006. Thirty deaths were recorded in the last four months of 2007.
Health Minster Michael McGimpsey has announced £9m to tackle hospital bugs.Health Minster Michael McGimpsey has announced £9m to tackle hospital bugs.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said staff concerns about cleanliness would be addressed.Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said staff concerns about cleanliness would be addressed.
In the last quarter of 2007, nine people at Antrim Area Hospital and five at Whiteabbey Hospital died from the hospital bug.In the last quarter of 2007, nine people at Antrim Area Hospital and five at Whiteabbey Hospital died from the hospital bug.
Between January and August last year, nine cases were recorded at the Antrim hospital whilst the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald recorded 10 cases.Between January and August last year, nine cases were recorded at the Antrim hospital whilst the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald recorded 10 cases.
Mr McGimpsey said that he realised that the current outbreak of the virulent 027 strain of C difficile in the Northern Trust was of great concern to the public.Mr McGimpsey said that he realised that the current outbreak of the virulent 027 strain of C difficile in the Northern Trust was of great concern to the public.
Rapid response C diff deaths: Sept - Dec '07 Altnagelvin - 1Antrim - 9Belfast City - 4Causeway - 1Craigavon - 2Robinson Memorial - 1Royal Victoria - 1Ulster - 3Whiteabbey - 5All others - 3
The range of measures aimed at fighting bugs includes unannounced hygiene inspections, single rooms for new hospitals, a dress code for staff restrictions on hospital visiting and rapid response cleaning teams.The range of measures aimed at fighting bugs includes unannounced hygiene inspections, single rooms for new hospitals, a dress code for staff restrictions on hospital visiting and rapid response cleaning teams.
"It is clear that we can never fully eradicate infections such as MRSA and C diff. In the case of C difficile, around 30% of elderly people and some 3% of healthy young adults carry the bug," said Mr McGimpsey."It is clear that we can never fully eradicate infections such as MRSA and C diff. In the case of C difficile, around 30% of elderly people and some 3% of healthy young adults carry the bug," said Mr McGimpsey.
"However, by following robust and stringent infection control measures it is possible to reduce the rates of infection. That is why I have set the challenging target of a reduction in C diff by 20% by March 2009.""However, by following robust and stringent infection control measures it is possible to reduce the rates of infection. That is why I have set the challenging target of a reduction in C diff by 20% by March 2009."
The C difficile bacterium causes diarrhoea and can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. It tends to affect the over 65s.The C difficile bacterium causes diarrhoea and can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. It tends to affect the over 65s.
The Northern Health Trust has recently identified a virulent strain called ribotype 027.The Northern Health Trust has recently identified a virulent strain called ribotype 027.
It is believed to be the first time this strain has emerged in Northern Ireland. Dr Michael McBride said he was very concerned about the new strain.
"It is a strain which has caused outbreaks in North America, across Europe, Japan, England. This is the first time that we have seen it in Northern Ireland," he said.
"Healthcare staff, frontline staff and managment are doing all within their power to contain this new strain within the Northern Trust."