C.diff infections falling in hospitals

The rate at which hospital patients are being infected with Clostridium difficile (C.difficile) is falling, according to new figures.

Data published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) indicates that between July and September 2008 there were 7,061 reported cases in patients aged 65 and over.

This is down 19 per cent from the previous quarter, when 8,696 patients in this age group were infected.

Director of the HPA's Centre for Infections Professor Mike Catchpole said: "NHS staff are working hard to fight healthcare associated infections such as C. difficile and their hard work is paying off.

"But winning against these infections will only happen if this hard work continues.

"Healthcare-associated infections are a global problem and remain a challenge for all of us. Robust infection control and appropriate use of antibiotics remain key to tackling infections such as C. difficile."

From July to September 2007, 10,384 patients aged 65 and over contracted the infection, which points to a 35 per cent fall by the same period in 2008.