C. diff rates rise at hospitals in Wrexham and Bangor

The increase has been mainly at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor

The number of cases of the superbug Clostridium difficile (C. diff) has risen at hospitals in north Wales over the past two months, say officials.

The increase has been mainly at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Wrexham Maelor Hospital, according to a report.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was severely criticised last year over its handling of the disease.

The report says action has been taken on wards to stop more cases arising.

Last year the health board apologised after patients died while suffering from the infection during an outbreak at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Denbighshire.

In the report, Tracey Cooper, assistant director of nursing, who has responsibility for infection control, said: "There have been several wards where a period of increased incidence has been declared in order to focus attention and to stop further cases arising.

"Focussed action in these areas includes increased monitoring of hand hygiene and commode cleanliness standards, a focus on antibiotic prescribing and increased Infection Prevention Team support.

"Existing best-practice measures such as routine cleaning with a chlorine-based product remain in place, and all new cases of infection are closely managed."

In the 12 months up to March this year the number of cases of c-diff in north Wales, the area covered by the health board, was 54.72 per 100,000 of population, compared with the all-Wales figure of 45.43 and the figure for England of 25.