HCA has adopted a rigorous approach to protecting our patients against an outbreak of
C.Difficile and adopted a policy which is operated across all of our hospitals.

This includes:

• Isolation of patients who have symptoms
• Hand washing with soap and water (alcohol gels are ineffective against C.Difficile)
• Close adherence to antibiotic prescribing policies and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness
• Ensuring that all staff comply with the policy

Although it isn’t possible to eradicate C.Difficile completely,
this policy will ensure that the risks to our patients are kept
to an absolute minimum.

Good nursing management and monitoring of vulnerable
patients helps to reduce the possibility of them contracting
a C.Difficile infection.

Source: Health Protection Agency.