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Independent probe into bug deaths More C. diff deaths in Trust area
(30 minutes later)
An independent investigation into the deaths of patients linked to hospital bug clostridium difficile, has been announced by the health minister. The current outbreak of hospital bug clostridium difficile in the Northern Trust area is much more serious than had previously been thought.
Michael McGimpsey said he has asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority to carry out the review. On Friday, the Department of Health released interim figures which showed it contributed to 77 deaths last year.
The infection, known as C. diff, causes diarrhoea and was mentioned on the death certificates of 77 people in Northern Ireland last year. The total has not changed but a breakdown shows C. diff played a part in the deaths of 34 people in the Trust area - nine more than previously said.
Mr McGimpsey told the assembly there are no plans for a public inquiry. The trust and the DoH stressed the new figures were provisional.
Thirty deaths were recorded in the last four months of 2007. A trust spokeswoman said they were working hard with the Register General's Office to determine the correct figures.
Meanwhile, health minister Michael McGimpsey has asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority to carry out a review into the deaths linked to the bug.
He told the assembly there are no plans for a public inquiry.
Last week the Department of Health said £9m would be made available to tackle hospital bugs.Last week the Department of Health said £9m would be made available to tackle hospital bugs.
The range of measures aimed at fighting bugs includes un-announced 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 un-announced hygiene inspections, single rooms for new hospitals, a dress code for staff restrictions on hospital visiting and rapid response cleaning teams.
The C. difficile bacterium can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. It tends to affect the over 65s.The C. difficile bacterium can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. It tends to affect the over 65s.