Protocol for the Scottish Surveillance Programme for Clostridium difficile Associated Disease. User Manual

The Scottish Government has tasked Health Protection Scotland to undertake the surveillance of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) in Scotland. The surveillance programme is monitored by the National HAI Steering Group & Programme Board (NHAISGPG). This revised protocol follows a Scottish Government circular based on the recommendations from the 'Report on Review of Clostridium difficile Associated Disease Cases and Mortality in all Acute Hospitals in Scotland from December 2007 - May 2008’ which stated that “consideration should be given to extending the national surveillance system for CDAD to those aged between 15 and 64 years”. Therefore, the mandatory surveillance programme will be expanded, from the 1st April 2009, to include all persons aged 15 years or older.