High profile outbreaks inform new guidance.
While the NHS appears to be making progress in reducing the number of outbreaks of the bacterium, the need for continuing prudence and sound practical measures in preventing and managing C. difficile infection cases is highlighted in new guidance compiled by the Health Protection Agency for the Department of Health. Drawing on Healthcare Commission (HCC) reports into outbreaks at several Trusts and a joint Healthcare Commission/Health Protection Authority (HPA) review, a new publication, "Clostridium difficile infection: How to deal with the problem", sets out the key steps estates teams can take, particularly via stringent cleaning regimes. Jonathan Baillie reports.
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