02 Feb 2012
NHS Highland sought to reassure healthy patients, visitors and staff that the risk of Clostridium difficile infection was “minimal” after it was confirmed that an eighth person had contracted the bug at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The new case adds to seven patients who have contracted C diff at the hospital in the last month.
The frequency of routine cleaning at the hospital has been increased, and compliance with hand-hygiene by staff and visitors has been stepped up.
One ward containing four patients remains closed to new admission or transfers.
NHS Highland said three of the patients were showing symptoms, while one has been symptom-free for three days. Three others have been discharged.
One person who was admitted as an emergency died shortly after arrival from an existing medical condition. The board said they had contracted C diff from the community so it was not related to their care at Raigmore.
NHS Highland said the number of cases confirmed in January was “higher than would be expected”, and advised any recent inpatients concerned about symptoms of diarrhoea to contact NHS24 or their GP.
Lead infection, prevention and control doctor Emma Watson said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation very closely and are taking all necessary actions.
“I would like to reiterate that the risks to healthy patients, visitors and staff are minimal.”
Copyright Press Association 2012