Outbreaks of Clostridium difficile
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
In September 2006, the Healthcare Commission announced an investigation into Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. This followed concerns about the rates of the Clostridium difficile infection since 2004 and the outbreaks of the infection in the winter of 2005-2006 and subsequently.
We looked at outbreaks of the infection, evaluating the care of patients affected and the trust's systems and procedures for controlling infection. We did this by collecting documentary evidence, conducting observations and interviewing patients, staff and others. A report following this investigation was published on 11 October 2007.
Investigation into outbreaks of Clostridium difficile at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (pdf 1724kb) (opens new window)
More information about Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Review at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
In early October 2006, contact was made between University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the Healthcare Commission regarding the high number of cases of the Clostridium difficile infection at the trust in 2005 and 2006.
We agreed to explore the issue further with the trust to understand the arrangements and challenges in the management of Clostridium difficile infection, using the Government’s Hygiene Code as a framework for review. The main purpose of the review was to assess the trust’s arrangements for preventing and controlling of the infection.
Findings of the review are available from the link below.
The management of Clostridium difficile (March 2007) (pdf 176kb) (opens new window)
More information about University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Stoke Mandeville Hospital
In June 2005, the Secretary of State for Health asked the Healthcare Commission to investigate and report on Clostridium difficile cases at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, part of Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS trust. This followed two outbreaks at the hospital in 2004/2005, associated with a number of deaths.
We published a report on this investigation in July 2006.
As part of the investigation, we conducted a joint national survey with the Health Protection Agency to gain an understanding of the issues facing NHS hospitals in relation to the management, prevention and surveillance of infection caused by Clostridium difficile. The interim results of this survey were published in December 2005.
Investigation into outbreaks of Clostridium difficile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital (pdf 1331kb) (opens new window)
Action plan by Buckinghamshire NHS Trust in response to the investigation (July 2006) (pdf 323kb) (opens new window)
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