Menu
06/06/2005
New strain of hospital bug identified
A potentially fatal new strain of a hospital acquired infection has been identified.
According to a report in the ‘Independent’ newspaper, 12 have died and 300 more have become infected with clostridium difficile at the Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire since 2003.
The infection, which is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea, mainly affects elderly people. The spread of the bacteria is difficult to contain as alcohol hand gels, used by staff to clean their hands to prevent the spread of infections are ineffective against the organism.
Cases of the infection have risen dramatically within the last 14 years. 1,000 cases were reported in the UK in 1990, but 43,672 were reported last year.
Buckinghamshire Hospital Trust said that everything possible was being done to control the spread of the infection at Stoke Mandeville, the only hospital in the UK to report large numbers of cases of clostridium difficile infection. Dr Andrew Kirk, director of Infection Prevention and Control, said that the most up-to-date technology was being used to minimise the risk of infection to patients.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that the Health Protection Agency had received reports of the new strain of clostridium difficile and was keeping a “watching brief” on the situation. However, they said that the strain was rare in the UK.
Guidance issued by the Department of Health recommends that hospital staff should wash their hands with soap and water in an attempt to halt the spread of the infection.
(KMcA/SP)
According to a report in the ‘Independent’ newspaper, 12 have died and 300 more have become infected with clostridium difficile at the Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire since 2003.
The infection, which is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea, mainly affects elderly people. The spread of the bacteria is difficult to contain as alcohol hand gels, used by staff to clean their hands to prevent the spread of infections are ineffective against the organism.
Cases of the infection have risen dramatically within the last 14 years. 1,000 cases were reported in the UK in 1990, but 43,672 were reported last year.
Buckinghamshire Hospital Trust said that everything possible was being done to control the spread of the infection at Stoke Mandeville, the only hospital in the UK to report large numbers of cases of clostridium difficile infection. Dr Andrew Kirk, director of Infection Prevention and Control, said that the most up-to-date technology was being used to minimise the risk of infection to patients.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that the Health Protection Agency had received reports of the new strain of clostridium difficile and was keeping a “watching brief” on the situation. However, they said that the strain was rare in the UK.
Guidance issued by the Department of Health recommends that hospital staff should wash their hands with soap and water in an attempt to halt the spread of the infection.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 June 2005
Inquiry ordered into hospital bug
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has ordered an inquiry into the outbreak of a potentially deadly bug at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire.
Inquiry ordered into hospital bug
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has ordered an inquiry into the outbreak of a potentially deadly bug at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire.
24 July 2006
Hospital criticised for bug outbreak
Hospital bosses at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire have been criticised for failing to control the spread of a deadly bug which resulted in at least 33 deaths.
Hospital criticised for bug outbreak
Hospital bosses at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire have been criticised for failing to control the spread of a deadly bug which resulted in at least 33 deaths.
27 July 2004
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
14 July 2004
War on superbugs blighted by NHS monitoring failures
The NHS has been criticised for not knowing the precise extent and cost of hospital acquired infections in an audit report published today.
War on superbugs blighted by NHS monitoring failures
The NHS has been criticised for not knowing the precise extent and cost of hospital acquired infections in an audit report published today.
22 March 2004
Children at greater risk of MRSA infection: report
Children in hospital are at a greater risk of succumbing to MRSA infection now than at any time in the past decade, according to a paper published in this week’s Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Children at greater risk of MRSA infection: report
Children in hospital are at a greater risk of succumbing to MRSA infection now than at any time in the past decade, according to a paper published in this week’s Archives of Disease in Childhood.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
