Menu
22/02/2007
Hospital superbug deaths still on the increase
Deaths in hospitals because of superbugs are increasing, with deaths due to Clostridium difficile increasing more than those due to MRSA.
According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, there were 3,807 death certificates, which mentioned Clostridium difficile in 2005 - an increase of 69% on the previous year.
In the same period, mentions of MRSA on death certificates increased by 39% to 1,629.
Most of the deaths involving both superbugs were in the older age groups.
Commenting on the figures, health minister Lord Hunt said: "We are now getting a far more accurate picture of the number of deaths from Clostridium difficile and MRSA with vastly improved recording.
"It is a major challenge for the NHS and a top priority for government.
"We have set very tough targets for trusts to reduce infections and put a hygiene code and a tougher inspection regime into law to drive up standards of hygiene and infection control.
"As a result we are now starting to see significant reductions in rates of MRSA infections."
Clostridium difficile is a spore forming bacterium which is present as one of the 'normal' bacteria in the gut of up to 3% of healthy adults.
Patients who have been treated with broad spectrum antibiotics are at greatest risk of Clostridium difficile associated disease.
Risks of contracting the bug are also increased for patients who are elderly, have a serious underlying illness that compromises their immune system, have a prolonged stay in healthcare settings, or have recently had gastrointestinal surgery.
(KMcA)
According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, there were 3,807 death certificates, which mentioned Clostridium difficile in 2005 - an increase of 69% on the previous year.
In the same period, mentions of MRSA on death certificates increased by 39% to 1,629.
Most of the deaths involving both superbugs were in the older age groups.
Commenting on the figures, health minister Lord Hunt said: "We are now getting a far more accurate picture of the number of deaths from Clostridium difficile and MRSA with vastly improved recording.
"It is a major challenge for the NHS and a top priority for government.
"We have set very tough targets for trusts to reduce infections and put a hygiene code and a tougher inspection regime into law to drive up standards of hygiene and infection control.
"As a result we are now starting to see significant reductions in rates of MRSA infections."
Clostridium difficile is a spore forming bacterium which is present as one of the 'normal' bacteria in the gut of up to 3% of healthy adults.
Patients who have been treated with broad spectrum antibiotics are at greatest risk of Clostridium difficile associated disease.
Risks of contracting the bug are also increased for patients who are elderly, have a serious underlying illness that compromises their immune system, have a prolonged stay in healthcare settings, or have recently had gastrointestinal surgery.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 March 2014
Hospital Ward Shut In C. Diff Outbreak
Part of the Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been closed following an outbreak of Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. diff. The hospitals ward 5c is closed to new patients following confirmation of two new cases of the superbug, NHS Highland has confirmed.
Hospital Ward Shut In C. Diff Outbreak
Part of the Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been closed following an outbreak of Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. diff. The hospitals ward 5c is closed to new patients following confirmation of two new cases of the superbug, NHS Highland has confirmed.
26 August 2005
Hospital bug cases on the increase
Figures released today by the Department of Health and the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) show in 2004 there were 44,488 cases of Clostridium difficile infection among over 65s across Britain.
Hospital bug cases on the increase
Figures released today by the Department of Health and the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) show in 2004 there were 44,488 cases of Clostridium difficile infection among over 65s across Britain.
06 June 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.
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.
28 August 2008
Rise In C Diff-Related Deaths
The number of deaths involving the hospital bug Clostridium difficile in England and Wales rose sharply between 2006 and 2007, new figures show. According to the report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), C difficile was mentioned on 8,324 death certificates in 2007 compared to 6,480 in the previous year - a rise of 28%.
Rise In C Diff-Related Deaths
The number of deaths involving the hospital bug Clostridium difficile in England and Wales rose sharply between 2006 and 2007, new figures show. According to the report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), C difficile was mentioned on 8,324 death certificates in 2007 compared to 6,480 in the previous year - a rise of 28%.
05 September 2014
One In Five Child Deaths Preventable, Research Reveals
One in five child deaths in England is preventable, according to research by the University of Warwick. Much more could be done to cut future deaths, a new three-part series on child deaths in high-income countries, published in The Lancet, has revealed.
One In Five Child Deaths Preventable, Research Reveals
One in five child deaths in England is preventable, according to research by the University of Warwick. Much more could be done to cut future deaths, a new three-part series on child deaths in high-income countries, published in The Lancet, has revealed.
-
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.
