Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if 68 patients contracted C. difficile in Beaumont Hospital in the period 1 July 2008 to 31 October 2008; the number of persons who died solely as a consequence of contracting C. difficile; the number of persons who died as a consequence of their condition being complicated by C. difficile; the reason no public warning was issued to prospective patients regarding the extent of the outbreak; the action taken by the hospital to address this problem; if the hospital poses a risk to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42176/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Every outbreak of a serious infection such as Clostridium difficile is a cause of concern and I would like to express my sympathy to any patient and/or family who has been affected by the outbreak. Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs here, including C. difficile, continues to be a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

I have been informed that, in the period referred to, there were 68 cases of C. difficile in Beaumont Hospital. It is known to have been the primary cause of 3 deaths. Of the 68 patients who tested positive, there were 19 deaths from a variety of causes, not necessarily C. difficile. Of these patients 7 had C. difficile recorded on the death certificate as a contributory cause. In a number of cases the cause of death, including the possible contribution of C. difficile infection, is a matter yet to be determined by the Coroner's Court. It is not possible, therefore to say at this time what role C. difficile played in those deaths.

Effective measures were taken by the hospital and the outbreak was brought under control as quickly as possible. The outbreak control team monitored the situation. The Public Health Section of the HSE was kept fully informed of the incident and the outbreak was managed by Beaumont with strict adherence to the Infection Control Guidelines. All C. difficile symptomatic patients in Beaumont Hospital were isolated and their relatives informed of the infection and advised of suitable precautions to prevent its spread. There has also been a programme of intensive cleaning of wards and restrictions on the use of certain antibiotics that may predispose to the 027 strain of C. difficile.

Beaumont Hospital issued a public statement by way of a widely circulated press release on 16th September in which it gave detailed information on the outbreak. While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and to treat them promptly when they occur. I have every confidence in the Infection Control team working at Beaumont Hospital and in the management of that hospital.