As it continues to manage the Clostridum difficile outbreak, reported at the start of the year, the Trust has published figures for the month of March

There was a total of 40 new cases in March 2008 and during the course of the month there were three deaths where C. Difficile was recorded as an associated factor.

Trust Medical Director, Dr Peter Flanagan said

“Any death is regrettable and we offer our sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones. We are however seeing fewer deaths than in previous months: we believe we are now beginning to see a downward trend. Experience from other outbreaks of C. difficile, however, both nationally and internationally, tell us that it takes time to bring an outbreak fully under control and that fluctuations in figures will occur both weekly and monthly.

“Around 30 percent of the over 65 population are known to carry the C. difficile bacterium. Serious illness and the use of certain antibiotics can activate infection in those individuals."

A major intensive cleaning regime has been established in all Northern Trust hospitals and a newly recruited, rapid response team to provide a round-the-clock cleaning service for Antrim and Causeway Hospitals is soon to be introduced.

The Northern Trust has also reported that in association with the Belfast Trust they have employed specialist equipment that allows for intensive cleaning of vacated ward areas.

The Trust is currently conducting an analysis of every case recorded during March to identify the causes of these cases, including patient factors, admission rates to hospitals and effectiveness of infection control procedures.

Chief Executive, Norma Evans was optimistic that the March figures indicated that there clear signs of a downturn.

We cannot be complacent, but we can see indications that the measures we have put in place are beginning to show a positive return. I would wish to commend the clinical, nursing and domestic staff at all our hospitals for there unwavering committment to bringing the outbreak under control. This has not been an easy time for hospital staff and their resolve is admirable."

The Chief Executive added that she felt that relatives and visitors still had a significant role in helping to manage the situation.

“We know that C. difficile can be spread in the community and we would appeal again to visitors to follow our infection control guidelines; to restrict visiting where possible, particularly with young children, and not to bring food for patients. All visitors should comply with requests from clinical and nursing staff when attending the hospital."

The Trust recommends that if you are visiting a patient with C. difficile you should:

- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after visiting;

- Refrain from visiting if you have any illness;

- Only visit your own relative;

- Refrain from bringing children to visit;

- Do not sit on patients beds;

Visitors not visiting patients with C. difficile should continue to clean their hands with alcohol gel.”