New project aims to make a C.difference

Elaine Flynn, new scheme should help curb infection

Card system to help combat bug
A REGIONAL pilot scheme will begin across Oldham this month to reduce cases of C. diff infections.

Patients who have had the clostridium difficile bug will be given a card to show to GPs, dentists and other health care professionals enabling them to prescribe appropriate antibiotics to reduce the risk of further infection.

The scheme is being introduced by NHS Oldham and forms part of a wider North-West project to improve the prescribing of antibiotics.

The cards sent out to local patients will feature information and advice on symptoms and treatment for C diff.

Posters and information will also be on display in GP surgeries, dentists and pharmacies.

Around one in four people who have previously become ill with a C diff bug become sick again either because the initial infection never went away or because they’re re-infected with a different strain of the bacteria.

There are certain antibiotics that may be more likely to cause these patients to have C diff so it is important for people who have had an infection to avoid these.

The cards will help make sure health professionals know the patient’s history.

Symptoms can range from mild diarrhoea to life-threatening inflammation of the bowel.

In mild cases, drinking plenty of fluids can be the best course of action whereas more severe bouts require antibiotics.

Elaine Flynn, NHS Oldham’s clinical lead for infection prevention and control, said: “The card scheme aims to increase patients’ understanding about C diff and their involvement in decisions about their care. We hope this will reduce the chance of them having further C diff infections and it will help patients talk to healthcare providers about their condition. It will also increase knowledge of up-to-date treatment guidelines.