The number of cases of C. difficile has fallen again at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, according to the Health Protection Agency.

The new figures show there were only 17 cases across the Trust’s hospitals between September and November 2009, compared to 29 during the same period in 2008 – a drop of 41 per cent.

Over the last two years the Trust has introduced a number of tough measures to control and prevent infections such as C. difficile.

The measures include increasing the training given to all staff, carefully prescribing antibiotics, regular monitoring of cleanliness levels and prompt isolation of patients developing diarrhoea.

Samantha Jones, the Trust’s chief executive, believes the hospital will maintain its standards and not become complacent.

She said: “The health and wellbeing of each and every one of our patients is at the heart of everything we do. Patient safety is paramount and we will do all we can to cut the number of cases of healthcare acquired infections like C. difficile in our hospitals.

“The latest figures are another boost for the Trust, as they confirm that the measures we’ve put in place to eliminate healthcare acquired infections are working.

"Good hygiene is still the best defence against C. difficile and that's why we're to making sure that our patients, visitors and staff all know how important it is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water."

For more information visit epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/infectioncontrol