Superbug deaths triple in region

The superbug has forced the closure of some wards

Deaths linked to the superbug Clostridium difficile have tripled in the East Midlands, a new survey shows.

Office for National Statistics figures list 416 deaths linked to C. difficile in 2005 compared to 137 deaths in 2004.

Relatives of some of the patients who have died from the superbug are calling for more action to fight the spread of the infection.

C. difficile was listed as the main cause of death in 90 cases in 2004 - but that increased to 231 in 2005.

Between 2004 and 2005, mention of MRSA on death certificates rose by 39% while mention of C. difficile rose 69%.

Superbug research

The Office for National Statistics also pointed out that improved reporting of superbugs on death certificates could also contribute to the rises, although it was impossible to say by how much.

The number of deaths linked to the superbug MRSA rose from 90 in 2004 to 109 in 2005.

A ward at Welland Hospital in Spalding, Lincolnshire, closed to new admissions in February after three patients were diagnosed with a superbug infection.

We have set very tough targets for trusts to reduce infections Lord Hunt, Health Minister

In November, three Nottingham wards were closed over C. difficile outbreak fears.

C. difficile was linked to the deaths of nine patients at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre and a further three at the City Hospital in four weeks over November and December.

The NHS hospital trusts in Leicester and Nottingham have set up specific task forces to combat infections and a specialist superbug research centre has opened at Nottingham University.

In Leicester, at least 49 people died after catching the bug in the eight months prior to October.

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.

"We have also provided £50m funding which will give a cash injection to trusts to boost infection control measures."

C. difficile is usually spread on the hands of healthcare staff and other people who come into contact with infected patients or contaminated surfaces such as floors, bedpans and toilets.