C. Difficile Infections Continue To Fall

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 16 Jan 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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NHS on track to achieve annual reduction of 30% by 2010/11
C. difficile infections are continuing to fall, the latest quarterly statistics from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) showed today.

There were 8,947 C. difficile infections in in England between July and September 2008. This represents a 33% reduction compared to the same quarter last year and a 35.5% reduction compared to the average quarter in 2007/08. The figures show a drop in C. difficile cases across all age groups for July to September 2008.

The NHS is on track to achieve the national target of reducing C. difficile infections by 30% by 2010/11 against the 2007/08 baseline. To meet the target, a reduction of at least 30% compared to the average quarter in 2007/08 would need to be sustained over four consecutive quarters.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:

"This is very good news, and shows that the relentless focus on tackling infections has been working effectively. It isn't just about extra investment and tighter regulation - it's also about ensuring that everyone follows the hand-washing routine, the bare below the elbows dress code, the proper hygiene measures and responsible prescribing of antibiotics - which is particularly important in relation to C. difficile."

Today, the Department of Health also published new expert guidance on the management of C. difficile in hospitals. This brings together expert advice on control of C. difficile to provide a single comprehensive source of scientific guidance for the NHS.

Notes

1. The July - September 2008 C. difficile infection statistics are available from the Health Protection Agency website: http://www.hpa.org.uk
2. Copies of the new C. difficile guidance can be found on the Department of Health website.

Department of health, UK