C.difficile infections continue to fall
Reported January 16, 2009
The NHS is on track to reduce C.difficile infections by 30 percent by 2010-11 according to the latest statistics from the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
There were 8,947 C.difficile infections in in England between July and September 2008. This represents a 33 percent reduction compared to the same quarter last year and a 35.5 percent 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 achieving the national target of reducing C.difficile infections by 30 percent by 2010-11 against the 2007-08 baseline. To meet the target, a reduction of at least 30 percent 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.
DH has today 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.
