NHS “on track” to meet infections target

The NHS has said it is on track to reduce C. Difficile infections by 30 per cent by 2010/11.

The announcement followed quarterly statistics by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which found cases of the virus continued to fall.

Between July and September last year, the organisation noted 8,947 infections in England – a 33 per cent reduction in comparison to the same period in 2007.

The figures also found a drop in C. Difficile cases across all age groups.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said it was “very good news” and showed a “relentless focus on tackling infections”.

“It isn’t just about extra investment and tighter regulation – it’s also about ensuring that everyone follows ? proper hygiene measures,” he added.

Last month, quarterly statistics from the HPA revealed MRSA bloodstream infections were continuing to fall in England.

The figures found there were 725 infections between July and September 2008 – a 13 per cent drop on results from April to June.