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Stevenson enforces enhanced precautions to resolve cases of C. Difficile

(Alliston, Ontario – April 15, 2015) Stevenson Memorial Hospital, in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), has declared an outbreak of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), after three cases were confirmed at the hospital during the past week.

C. difficile is a bacterium that many people carry in their bowel, posing little risk for healthy individuals. However, it can become a health issue for patients who are unwell, elderly, or otherwise health-comprised, particularly those on antibiotics which kill off the "good bacteria" in the bowel and allow C. difficile to flourish and cause infection. The most effective way to stop the spread of the disease is frequent and thorough hand washing. 

“At Stevenson we are committed to enforcing best practice infection prevention and control measures,” says Jody Levac, President & CEO. “Every member of the Stevenson team is working diligently to monitor the current situation and taking the appropriate action to minimize the risk of any further transmission.”

No visiting restrictions have been implemented at this time, however all visitors will be instructed to wash their hands thoroughly before entering and upon exiting patient areas. In some cases, visitors will be required to wear personal protective equipment, such as a gown and gloves, while visiting with patients.  In addition to the standard cleaning practices that are already in place at Stevenson, disinfection of all hospital and patient environments has been enhanced as an added precaution.

Stevenson will continue to work with SMDHU during this time to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients, staff, and visitors.

A fact sheet on C. difficile can be downloaded from the SMDHU’s website at:

http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Libraries/TOPIC_InfectiousDisease/Clostridium_difficile.sflb.ashx

 

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