Superbug deaths

30 March 2007

A HOSPITAL superbug has been a contributing factor in the death of 17 patients at the James Paget University Hospital, it was confirmed today .

Senior officials at the Gorleston hospital called an emergency press conference after it emerged that 17 patients had died after contracting Clostridium Difficile, commonly known as C diff, within the last four months. It was also confirmed that some of the patients had contracted a new virulent strain of the bug, known as the '027' strain.

Five other patients have had to undergo major bowel surgery after contracting the bug while 11 patients are currently battling with the virus at the hospital. A strict cleaning regime has been imposed as the hospital with £400,000 spent so far on internal cleaning.

Chief executive at the hospital, Wendy Slaney, stressed that the message to local people was that the hospital was running as normal and that people should not make the effort to stay away. She said: “The hospital is continually managing this issue by being pro-active in terms of infection control and we continue to function as normal.”

However, she added the outbreak had meant tough times at the hospital saying: “It is the most difficult thing we've ever had to deal with.”

The C diff outbreak first came to the attention of staff in December last year when the hospital saw a slight increase in the number of patients contracting the bug.

Nick Coveney, director of nursing and patient services, said: “We were not alarmed by this rise because it was in line with the increase seen nationally. What we noticed in January was that people were having more severe illnesses as a result of contracting C diff. It is causing us major concern at the moment and as a trust we have acted on this outbreak immediately implementing a robust infection control policy.”

C diff is a species of bacteria which is present in the gut. However, the bacteria can be aggravated by antibiotics which creates toxins in the gut and can lead to severe illness and even death.

One of the most common symptoms is diarrhoea, however if the infection becomes more serious sufferers can experience severe fever and abdominal pain and the volume of diarrhoea also increases. The bug is not considered highly contagious but it can be contracted by ingesting spores of the bacteria through the mouth. Consequently, areas of the hospital have been cleaned with bleach, which is known to have an effect on the bacteria.

Dr Ngozi Elumogo said: “We know there is a link between C diff and antibiotics however there are certain antibiotics which will not trigger the disease and we have been working with the local Primary Care Trust and GP's to get this message out. Normal hand gel does not have any effect, which is why stricter cleaning regimes have been imposed.”

Visitors are advised to keep to ward visiting times wit no more than two people at a bed at any time. People should still use the alcohol gel provided and wash their hands with soap and water when asked.

The bug was first discovered in 2002 following an outbreak at a hospital in Quebec, Canada. Since then there have been similar cases at hospitals in London and Leicester however due to the bugs infancy in terms of medical research it is not yet known how the bug travelled across the Atlantic to the UK.

Anyone wanting more information should contact the patient advice and liaison service on 01493 453240.