Investigation into outbreaks of Clostridium difficile at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

The Healthcare Commission carried out this investigation to look into outbreaks of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and to assess the care provided to patients with this infection. It also considered whether the trust’s systems and processes for the identification, prevention and control of infection were adequate.The executive summary outlines its findings. The evidence on which the findings are based is in the body of the report. Among the conclusions were that: - Lessons need to be reinforced about appropriate antibiotic prescribing, the need for effective isolation, the importance of scrupulous cleanliness and hygiene, and the need to provide a high standard of care of patients infected with C. difficile, including having adequate staff. More attention also needs to be paid to the accuracy of death certification.