Harney: Superbug-linked deaths serious

THE MINISTER for Health has described as “serious” the death of 15 patients at a Co Clare hospital following a superbug infection.

In the first half of last year, 46 mostly elderly patients — 39 women and seven men — at Mid-Western Regional Hospital Ennis were affected by clostridium difficle (C Diff). The number of cases peaked at 18 in April 2007, falling to two in June of that year. From May 4, the superbug is to become a notifiable disease.

Ennis hospital says that clostridium difficile was not the primary cause of their death, but a significant issue in their demise.