Superbug fears as two die in Drogheda hospital

An investigation is underway to establish whether the deaths of two people at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda are related to an outbreak of the superbug C. difficile.

Three wards have been closed after 10 patients tested positive for the infection.

A HSE report published in April of this year found that the hospital had failed in several areas to reach the proper hygiene standards.

Fine Gael TD for Louth Fergus O'Dowd said he is going to raise the issue in the Dáil as a matter of urgency.

Mr O'Dowd said: "Any issues in relation to this audit and indeed the hygiene of the hospital generally obviously will have to be dealt with and I'll raise this matter on the Order of Business today in the Dáil."

"I think it's very important that whatever happens now prevents further spread of the illness."