A SPIKE in a bacterial illness has hit Colchester hospitals.

More than double the expected number of patients contracted C Difficile at Colchester General and Essex County Hospitals in the months of November and December.

An urgent investigation has been launched following the surge.

Only two of the 26 reported cases from April were at Essex County Hospital, with the other 24 at Colchester General.

A report into the possible causes is expected to be given to bosses next week.

 

For the full story see Monday's Gazette.