29/03/2010

C.difficile Prevention Plans On Way

A renewed emphasis has been placed on NHS staff to combat hospital bug C.difficile.

This follows the NHS' success in reducing C.difficile infections across the country, with figures dropping by 35% since 2007 – exceeding the national target of 30% by 2010-11.

The new C.difficile objective will help to reduce variation and could deliver a further national reduction of around 55% over the next three years, the Government says.

The objective will require organisations with the highest rates of infection to make the biggest reductions and challenge the best performers to sustain their low rates and strive for further improvements.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said that five years ago, the NHS was facing a "big challenge" in bringing down infection.

"Following a huge concerted effect from people at all levels, I’m proud of the success our NHS has achieved in bringing down the number of C.difficile infections so far," he said.

"But we want to go even further – patients have a right to clean, safe care wherever they are treated in the NHS and these improvements must continue.

"The C.difficile objective is ambitious but realistic. It will focus improvements on those NHS organisations that need to make the most progress – no individual trust will be required to deliver reductions that a similar organisation has not already achieved."

Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery for the Royal College of Nursing, said nurses have been involved in setting standards for infection prevention and control.

"The hard work of nurses and healthcare assistants has already made a difference in reducing the spread of infections, and patients should be confident that wherever they receive healthcare, every effort is made to keep them safe."

Graziella Kontkowski, founder of C Diff Support said the infection is extremely distressing for patients and their families.

"I believe we are now moving in the right direction in combating C.difficile infections and this new objective will hopefully reduce infections even further."

The new objective will come into force from April 2011.

(PR/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
25 November 2004
Thousands of HIV/Aids sufferers unaware they have virus: report
There are 14,300 adults living in the UK who are unaware that they are carrying the HIV/Aids virus, according to the shock findings of a Health Protection Agency (HPA) report.