Clostridium Difficile

The Health Protection Agency have been informed of an outbreak of clostridium difficile at the Countess of Chester Hospital. A ward was closed when 26 people fell ill with the stomach bug.

A Trust spokesman said that the outbreak "was caused by an influx of patients in the one ward that were infected" and that all cases were classed as "none severe".

A ward at the hospital was closed and used as an isolation ward and extra cleaning was introduced in affected areas, including bleaching three times a day.

Joanne Ashley of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors said "Infection prevention and control in hospitals is of paramount importance and vital in helping to prevent outbreaks of clostridium difficile occurring."