IPSWICH Hospital today faces even stricter superbug targets as the government more than halves the number of acceptable cases.In August, September and October of this year, the hospital's target was to get no more than 32 cases of Clostridium Difficile (C-diff) per month.

IPSWICH Hospital today faces even stricter superbug targets as the government more than halves the number of acceptable cases.

In August, September and October of this year, the hospital's target was to get no more than 32 cases of Clostridium Difficile (C-diff) per month. This month the figure drops to 28 and from December to March the figure is 12.

Last month the hospital reported 22 cases - the lowest this year.

Today, Mike Brookes, chairman of the hospital, said: “Health acquired infections remains the number one priority for this hospital.”

Government figures released today show in 2005 the hospital reported 347 cases, it grew to 483 last year, and there have been 403 cases so far this year - with November and December figures to add.

The hospital is continuing to clampdown on bugs by monitoring hand washing, carrying out investigations into the cause and starting point of each case and monitoring antibiotic use which is a predisposing factor for development of bug.

It has already reduced visiting hours, carried out deep cleaning of wards and opened an isolation ward for C-diff patients.

Hospital chief executive Andrew Reed said: “We mustn't be complacent about anything with infection control.”

N Ipswich Hospital reported one MRSA case for October, against a target of two. Since April there have been 12 cases, under its target of 14.

N What can be done to tackle superbugs at Ipswich Hospital? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk