In recent days, the media has reported a number of deaths and an increased number of infections

that have occurred at Niagara-area hospitals, related to Clostridium difficile (also known as C.

difficile or C. diff). Recognizing the public interest and need to be fully informed, Stevenson

Memorial Hospital wishes to provide the following update.

• we had 1 patient in the Hospital who was confirmed C. diff positive on admission;

• we had no patients in the Hospital who developed the infection during their hospital stay; and

• we had no deaths associated with C. diff.

Members of the public, who may wish to review a history of Stevenson’s infection rates, can

click here.

Proper hand washing with soap and water, especially after using the washroom and before

eating, is the best way to prevent the spread of all types of infections, including C. diff. All

patients, visitors, physicians, volunteers and staff are urged to clean their hands with alcohol gel

each and every time they enter or exit the Hospital and/or a patient’s room. The alcohol gel is

readily available at all Hospital entrances and in and outside all patient rooms.

Clostridium difficile (also known as C. difficile or C. diff) is a bacterium that in some cases

produces a toxin that can cause an inflammation of the intestinal tract.

For the past many years, this bacterium has been commonly found in hospitals and long-term

care facilities throughout North America and around the world. It is also present in the general

community.

C. diff may be part of the normal bacteria that live in people’s large intestine or it may be

acquired or activated by various factors, such as antibiotic use during hospital admission.

Anyone receiving antibiotics can be at potential risk for acquiring an infection from C. diff. The

‘bug’ is considered harmless in healthy individuals when their body’s natural flora (good

bacteria) is at normal levels. Taking certain antibiotics can change the normal balance of

bacteria, making it easier for C. diff to grow and cause an infection. In addition to antibiotic use,

the risk of developing symptoms for C. diff increases in patients undergoing gastrointestinal

surgery and those with a weakened immune system, such as the elderly and those on

medications that depress the immune system.

C. diff cannot be spread through the air, such as from people talking to one another. It is spread

when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth. It is not uncommon

for patients to have C. diff at time of hospital admission, which again highlights the importance

of everyone following proper hand hygiene practices. For several years, Stevenson has taken

additional precautions with respect to isolation and cleaning practices to minimize the risk of

intra-hospital transfer of the bacteria.

Stevenson has a policy and procedures in place that any patient who has diarrhea upon hospital

admission or develops diarrhea after admission is immediately placed on contact precautions (a

form of isolation) and a sample of their stool is sent for testing. Contact precautions are designed

to reduce the risk of spreading the infection and include increased handwashing, the wearing of

gloves and gowns by members of the health care team and visitors when interacting with the

patient. In addition, stringent housekeeping protocols are in place to ensure that appropriate

cleaning and disinfection of all hospital and patient environments occurs.

The usual symptoms are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Blood may or may not be present

in stools and some patients may have no diarrhea.

For most patients with mild symptoms, the infection will self-resolve, often with the

discontinuation of the causative antibiotic, and require no other specific treatment. For more

severe or serious cases, special medications and treatment may be required, as prescribed by the

patient’s physician.

The general public may call York Region’s Health Connection Line at 1-800-361-5653 or call

Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. Patients, staff, and physicians can call Corporate

Communications at 905-895-4521, ext. 2541 and they will be connected with the most

appropriate person to answer their questions.