C. Difficile Cases Reported at Kingston General Hospital

Published on: 2011/08/17 - in Releases
Kingston General Hospital is currently dealing with an outbreak of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) within their facility. Over the last 30 days, 12 new cases of this hospital-acquired infection have been reported. Consistent with provincial guidelines, a facility-wide outbreak has now been declared.

The hospital is taking all the necessary steps to manage the outbreak while closely following Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MoHLTC) guidelines and best practices. Steps to contain the outbreak include the use of rigorous infection control precautions, environmental and equipment cleaning protocols and vigilant hand hygiene practices.

Keeping patients safe by eliminating all preventable harm is a priority for everyone at KGH. Staff are working hard to contain the outbreak and stop further spread of C. difficile.  Families and visitors can also help in minimizing the spread of this infection. KGH asks that you follow these guidelines:

  • Please do not come to the hospital if you are feeling unwell;
  • Please ensure you clean your hands as you enter and exit the hospital;
  • Please ensure you clean your hands before entering and upon exiting a patient’s room;
  • A common way to spread the bacteria is by traveling from one patient room to another. Please ensure that you clean your hands each and every time you enter and exit a patient’s room;
  • Please follow all infection control precautions if the patient you are visiting is identified as needing them – you can ask a member of the health-care team for assistance or clarification.

C. difficile is a bacteria that can be found in people’s bowels and typically does not cause any problems or symptoms in healthy people. However, in some hospitalized patients, C. difficile can damage the lining of the bowel causing diarrhea and these symptoms would be treated by the physician. For more information on C. difficile, please visit the Ministry of Health website.

KGH will continue to keep people informed of the status of this outbreak on our website and in public notices throughout hospital.  If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail our patient relations program at patrep@kgh.kari.net or  call 613-549-6666 and enter extension 4158.

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Release source: Kingston General Hospital | Photo: Wikimedia Commons