GUELPH, ON, September 1 – This morning, in consultation with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, the Hospital declared its C. difficile outbreak to be over.

Preventing and containing the spread of C. difficile within the Hospital is a very complex task requiring the attention and involvement of staff, patients, visitors and volunteers, says Eileen Bain, VP Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “Once C. difficile establishes itself in the hospital it is very difficult to control. The Hospital relied on the expertise and teamwork of hundreds of staff to bring this outbreak to a close.”

She also credits the Hospital’s close working relationship with Public Health. “We have a strong relationship and I appreciate their efforts in supporting us in getting this outbreak under control.”

Her sentiment is echoed by the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Nicola Mercer. “As with any infectious disease outbreak, we were actively involved with the hospital to support and ensure all prevention and control measures were in place to prevent further transmission. I commend the entire staff at Guelph General Hospital for their cooperation and vigilance in bringing the outbreak to an end.”

For Bain, all the hard work had one goal in mind. “As always, our efforts remain focused on providing a safe environment for our patients, staff and visitors.”