Superbug on rise but long-term trend down

CASES of superbug C.diff have risen slightly in the Lothians, though experts have said that the general trend is still encouraging.

Figures released yesterday revealed there were 148 episodes of the infection in hospitals between July and September last year.

This is up from the previous quarter, but longer-term analysis indicates health chiefs are winning the war on superbugs.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "I've made tackling hospital infections a top priority and these figures are further confirmation that the initiatives we have put in place, coupled with the efforts of health boards and hospital staff and the scrutiny of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, are making a difference.

"It is vital that patients have confidence in the quality of care and treatment they will receive if they need to go into hospital and this confidence should not be undermined by the fear of contracting an infection."