Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 28 May 2008, the progress in implementing the recommendations of the Health Service Executive report into the incidents of C-difficile at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; if all the recommendations have been implemented; if not, when she expects this to happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43492/08]

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 was affected by the outbreak in Ennis General Hospital last year. Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for health care 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).

As I stated in the House last May, most of the recommendations in the report have been implemented by the HSE. The HSE continues to monitor the implementation of the recommendations and have assured me that all outstanding issues are receiving attention with a view to full implementation as quickly as possible.

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 C. difficile in particular and to treat them promptly when they occur.