HOSPITALS in Doncaster, Mexborough and Bassetlaw could suffer double the number of clostridium difficile cases by the end of the year.
The trust which runs the Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Mexborough's Montagu Hospital and Bassetlaw Hospital in neighbouring Worksop, fears it could see nearly 300 C diff cases - almost twice last year's 166.
A forecast based on reported cases so far
warns there could be as many as 294 cases over 12 months - compared to a target of 163.
Chief executive Nigel Clifton told the trust's board of directors there were "significant concerns" about the number C diff infections across the trust.
He confirmed an urgent review led by director of nursing Hilary Bond was looking into the problem and what was being done to reduce the risk of infection.
Mr Clifton added: "Reduction of healthcare associated infections remains the single most challenging task for the whole of the trust."
But the hospitals are now putting in place plans to put the brakes in the C diff problem.
A trust spokesman said: "Action we're taking includes tackling known 'hotspots' across the trust - wards that have had two or more cases in a 30-day period. They are now monitored by the board each month."
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