There has been "good progress" in Northern Ireland's fight against C difficile infections in hospital, the health minister has said.

Michael McGimpsey commented that all five trusts have been working hard to reduce the spread of the virus.

The independent review produced by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority has shown a marked improvement in the standard of hospital cleanliness.

Speaking to the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr McGimpsey commented: "I am pleased to report that there is evidence of progress in containing the outbreak ... It is, though, still too early to say the outbreak is over and we need to see that improvement sustained."

All trusts were working towards the target of reducing the virus by 20 per cent in people aged over 65.

Clostridium difficile is an infection which is resilient to traditional antibiotics.

It mostly occurs among elderly people who are staying in hospital because of other conditions.

C difficile can cause diarrhoea or more serious intestinal problems and bleeding from the colon.

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