Bug investigation team announced

C. difficile is largely recognised as a hospital-acquired infection

The membership of a review team to look into the recent outbreak of Clostridium difficile in hospitals in the Northern Trust area has been announced.

Six people will be on it, four of them from outside Northern Ireland.

They have been described by the Department of Health as experts in infection control from across the UK.

Provisional figures from the department show the deaths of 36 people in the Northern Trust area have been linked to the superbug.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said he was sure the investigation would be thorough.

"I am confident this team has considerable knowledge and the necessary expertise in infections such as C difficile, to thoroughly investigate the current outbreak and report back any learning quickly.

"Until the current outbreak in the Northern Trust is fully contained, the review team will focus on urgently examining infection control measures being taken across the other health trusts," he said.

Mr McGimpsey also announced measures aimed at tackling the spread of healthcare infections.

They include the introduction of a dress code for healthcare staff; and a consultation on a hospital visiting policy for all trusts.

Michael McGimpsey announced measures to combat infections

The first would include staff changing out of uniforms when not on duty and hospitals ensuring there are enough uniforms to help staff meet laundry requirements.

The consultation on visiting policy could see firm restrictions on visiting hours and limits on the numbers of visitors per patient.

"In order to tackle the challenge of reducing and preventing healthcare infections such as C difficile, it will require the full co-operation of staff, patients and the general public," the minister said.

The bacterium causes diarrhoea and can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. It tends to affect the over 65s.

The Northern Trust has recently identified a virulent strain called ribotype 027 - believed to be the first time this strain has emerged in Northern Ireland.